Chickasha Chief Emmett F. Goodwin

Grady Co officers who died in the line of duty

Jason Clarke
The Tuttle Times

CHICKASHA; Some of their lives were taken by bandits, others taken by fellow officers, but all their lives were given in the protection of the people.

In the history of Grady County, eight law enforcement officers have died in the line of service. Four Chickasha officers, two county deputies, a Tuttle officer and a Verden officer, each gave a sacrifice that has been buried under time.

Sheriff Kieran McMullen has a plan to change that, however. In a memorial to be dedicated on May 31, Grady County will honor those law enforcement officers made the ultimate sacrifice.

Standing four and a half feet tall, bearing the seal of the county, the memorial will read "Those who gave all" and "We walk the streets they served."

Below the list of names:

Chickasha Chief Emmett Goodwin - Fairview Park
Deputy Sheriff Edden Morris - Rose Hill
Chickasha Asst. Chief Sam Scott
Verden Marshal Alexander A. Anderson
Chickasha Patrolman Henry A. "Texas" Tate - Rose Hill
Deputy Sheriff James A. Wilson - Laflin Creek
Chickasha Sgt. Herschel A. Smith - Rose Hill
Tuttle Night Watchman August G. Nowka - Fairview Tuttle

The dedication ceremony will be held Wednesday, May 31, at 5 p.m. at the flag pole in front of the Law Enforcement Center. Sheriff Kieran McMullen encouraged any surviving family members of the officers to attend the ceremony.

Chickasha Chief Emmett F. Goodwin
Shot Feb. 1, 1909

Goodwin served as the day chief for the Chickasha Police. On Feb. 1, 1909, he and his brother, Officer Joe Earl, were walking down Chickasha Avenue when they met up with Night Chief Bill Thomas.

Thomas and Goodwin began to argue over the comment that Goodwin had allowed the town to run wide open. When Goodwin made the comment that Thomas had as much power as he, Thomas drew his gun and shot Goodwin in the head three times.

A gun battle ensued between Earl and Thomas. Earl was wounded and Thomas got away. He later turned himself in at the station and was charged with Goodwin's murder.