RUTHERFORD COUNTY, Tenn. (WZTV) — Sergeant Dan Goodwin, a longtime Rutherford County law enforcement leader who helped solve cold cases and shaped school safety programs, is being remembered after his passing.
Goodwin started his career in the United States Air Force as a sergeant from 1977 to 1981, then moved into journalism as city editor and police reporter for the Daily News Journal from 1986 to 1992.
He also taught journalism at Middle Tennessee State University from 1987 to 1994, helping future reporters learn the ropes.
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In 1992, Goodwin joined the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy and became one of Tennessee’s first school resource officers in 1993 when the office launched its SRO program.
Over the years, he worked in crime suppression, criminal investigations and the warrants division.
Goodwin was one of the original detectives handling cold cases, teaming up with Bill Sharp, who is now the Cannon County sheriff.
Together, they solved eight cold-case homicides and a 20-year-old kidnapping.
Goodwin was named Officer of the Year in 2002 after a conviction in the 1984 murder of an 18-year-old MTSU student in 2015.
In 2023, the sheriff’s office honored him at the 30th anniversary of its school resource officer division. He also served as the department’s firearms instructor and public information officer, becoming a trusted spokesperson during high-profile cases like the shooting after a high school graduation at Middle Tennessee State University.
Outside of law enforcement, Goodwin worked as a freelance writer and photographer and briefly managed media relations for Barrett Firearms.
His career was defined by a commitment to service and communication, from the Air Force to law enforcement to education.
The sheriff’s office said Goodwin earned respect and admiration from fellow officers, colleagues and the community, making a lasting impact.
The department is offering condolences to his family, friends and everyone who knew him and is inviting the community to share memories as they honor his legacy.
Rest in peace, Sergeant Goodwin,” the department posted. “Thank you for your service to our country, our community, and the many people whose lives you touched throughout your remarkable career.
