New officer comfortable in new community
Staff writer
New Hillsboro police officer Tom Godfrey is about a month into his job and says he’s settling in well with the community and the department.
Godfrey, who started with Hillsboro Police Department on New Year’s Eve, has been in law enforcement for about three years. Before coming to Hillsboro, he worked for Meade County sheriff’s office in southwest Kansas.
Law enforcement was his original career goal out of high school, but he first chose a different form of service: He joined the U.S. Marine Corps. He served four years.
After leaving the Marines, Godfrey worked in oil fields until a downturn in that industry led him back to his earlier plan of becoming a police officer.
“I just saw it and thought, ‘Yeah, that’s what I want to do,’” Godfrey said.
A connection from his previous agency helped bring him to Marion County. A friend passed along his name to Hillsboro police, conversations followed, and Godfrey eventually accepted a position with the department.
Although he downplays it, his military experience has helped him adjust to police work, particularly in staying calm and focused under pressure.
A few weeks in, Godfrey said his first impressions of Hillsboro have been positive.
“I like it so far,” he said. “Everybody’s friendly.”
Godfrey and his wife still are searching for a home in the area as they get established in the community.