Joe Hornaday
Greensburg — As the Decatur County Sheriff’s Department makes progress on the establishment of its Investigations Division, new faces are entering the department to fill the spots left by those tackling Decatur County’s drug problem.
The first new face entering the ranks of the DCSD is Deputy Robert Goodfellow, a former member of the Westport Police Department. He is taking over the spot left behind by Deputy Chris Hellmich who will soon begin work in the Investigations Division. Goodfellow had his first day of work with the DCSD on Monday, and Sheriff Daryl Templeton said he will spend a few days on each shift before eventually landing in his more permanent role on third shift.
“We’re glad to have (Goofellow) here, he will be a good asset to the department,” Templeton said.
Goodfellow spent about 14 months working with the Westport Police Department and about 20 years in active duty with the United States Army, attaining the rank of Master Sergeant. Templeton said that the DCSD has worked with Goodfellow and the WPD many times so the other deputies know him well. Goodfellow said that he would continue to live in Westport while serving with the DCSD.
“We’ve got a Westport outpost now,” Chief Deputy Darin Lucas said.
Templeton explained that bringing Goodfellow in was the start of the replacement process that began as a result of the $499,941 grant from the United States Department of Justice to combat drug production and related crimes in the county. Templeton noted that with the wheels in motion, equipment has already been ordered for the new guys. Courthouse security officer Tony Blodgett will also be moving to the DCSD once a replacement is found.
Sheriff Templeton is hoping to get all the new deputies in before Dec. 1.
“I think we can make it,” Templeton said.
Goodfellow knows the system and is not a stranger to the department or local law enforcement, Lucas and Templeton said. Reserve officer for the Westport Police Department Michael Watts will be taking over Goodfellow’s position at the WPD.
The DCSD continues to administer the grant money and deal with the new changes.
“It’s been a handful, but we can handle it,” Lucas said. “We’re not idle, we’re not complaining about (the drug problem in Decatur County). We’re being active and trying to eliminate the problem.”
After orientation, Goodfellow will hit the county roads, which is something to which he is looking forward.
“There’s a lot more people to meet and get to know,” Goodfellow said.
