Morrisville Police Officer Laid to Rest

Godwin's friends say the 9-year veteran loved being a policeman andthat he served the community where he was raised in the way hewanted to serve it.

Friends describe Sgt. Earl Godwin as an officer whose positive outlookaffected everyone around him. He died Thursday in Morrisville when hisrange rover collided with a car as he was responding to an emergency call.Fellow K-9 Trainer Richard Rogers says Godwin will be remembered as adedicated K-9 officer.

K-9 officers are a tighknit group. About 40 of them from around thestate came to pay tribute to Godwin. Most agree that Godwinwas highly respected among his peers.

Despite the tragedy, officers in Morrisville had to get back to theirjobs. According to Morrisville Police Sgt. Allen Rushing that's the wayGodwin would have wanted it.

As officers hit the streets after the service they turned on their brightblue lights in a tribute to a man who brightened many lives.

Godwin is survived by his wife and his 13-month-old daughter.His dog, Grey, who survived the accident, is with the family.