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Incident
Patrolman John Goodin died eight hours after accidentally shooting himself with a 12 gauge shotgun. He had just finished a training session and was going to assist other officers who were having problems near an off-campus university building complex. Patrolman Goodin and another officer were taking an unmarked car to the area. He opened the driver’s door of the patrol car and reached for the shotgun, grabbing it by the barrel. As he pulled it towards him, the trigger caught on the VASCAR speed-checking unit mounted in the front seat and discharged. The blast struck him in the stomach. He was transported to O'Bleness Hospital where he died from his wounds. Patrolman Goodin was a United States Army Vietnam War veteran and had served with the Athens Police Department for two years.
Survivors
He was survived by a wife and an 11-month-old son.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Patrolman Goodin gave the Athens Police Department 2 years.
Thank you for your service to the Athens community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
John Goodin served in the the United States military before joining law enforcement.
The Sacrifice · Accident
Athens Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
John is one of 319 officers lost to accidents in OH, 32.1% of the 993 remembered there.
John is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,552 remembered there.
John is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1970, 7 officers in OH were lost to accidents, the 3rd heaviest of 125 years on record. The heaviest was 1925, with 8.
In 1970, 90 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 13th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1970, 107 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 9th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
John was 23. Of the 310 lost to accidents in OH whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 37. John had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 23. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. John had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
John was 23. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. John had served 2 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
November holds 8.8% of these deaths in OH; July holds the most, 12.2%. Tuesdays: 15%.
November holds 8.3% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 14.1%.
November holds 8.6% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Tuesdays: 14%.
How
Accident deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Athens Police Department, the most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 32.1% of all 993 deaths in OH, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause.
His people
Athens Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, John among them.
Military Service
John Goodin served in the United States military before joining law enforcement.
Visit John Goodin’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 53-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Also Remembered
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Athens Police Department are honored on badge.nw.