Carl was born on March 21, 1933 to Charles C. and Lida E. (Cave) Goodin. For a year, Carl attended and played basketball at St. Xavier High School in Louisville. He transferred to and graduated in 1952 from Flaget High School.
Carl enlisted in the United States Air Force on June 15, 1952 during the Korean War. He took electronics and communications (radio) and advanced courses in 1952, 1954, and two in 1955. About February 1953, he shipped over to the Korean combat zone and returned March 11, 1954. Staff Sergeant Goodin was honorably discharged on December 22, 1955 and became a member of the inactive reserves.
Carl moved to Cincinnati and joined the Cincinnati Police Division on April 30, 1956 as a Police Recruit. On August 13, 1956 he was promoted to Patrolman, issued Badge 221, and assigned to District 4 (7017 Vine Street). On April 20, 1958, he was rotated to District 7 (813 Beecher Street) and rotated again a year later to District 2 (314 Broadway). On March 18, 1959, he was nearly killed when, while chasing a speeding vehicle, his cruiser hit a utility pole at Gilbert Avenue and Elsinore Place. He sustained severe head and facial injuries and a fractured knee but recovered. During November 1960 he completed the prestigious homicide seminar at the University of Cincinnati Kettering Labs. In his fifth year as an officer, having finished first in a competitive examination, he was promoted to Detective on February 12, 1961, issued Badge D-19, and assigned to the Crime Bureau. On March 14, 1961, Detective Goodin served as a pallbearer for slain Patrolman Donald Martin. During May 1961, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree at Salmon P. Chase College, majoring in Police Science. On March 15, 1962, the Civil Service Commission announced that he finished second in the promotional exam for Sergeant, and he was promoted on the 22nd, issued Badge S-10, and assigned to District 1 (310 Lincoln Park Drive). Three months later, he was transferred to the Personnel Bureau and served as an instructor at the Police Academy. On October 11, 1962, he transferred to the Crime Bureau as a Detective Sergeant. He attended the 72nd session of the FBI Academy in August 1963. On November 21, 1964 he headed the annual holiday shoplifting squad.
On January 21, 1965, he was again announced as the top scorer of a promotional exam and was promoted to Lieutenant on the 31st, issued Badge L-33, and reassigned to District 7. On November 11, 1965 Lieutenant Goodin was transferred back to Personnel Bureau and the Police Academy. On November 13, 1966, he was reassigned to the Crime Bureau. On June 23, 1967, United States Attorney Ramsey Clark announced that Lieutenant Goodin was the recipient of a fellowship for advanced study at the School of Police Administration of the University of Michigan where he went on to earn a master’s degree. On May 9, 1968, while attending college, he topped the captain’s exam and was promoted on the 19th. He was transferred to Community Relations Section Commander. On October 20, 1968, he transferred to command District 1 until it and Districts 2 merged at the beginning of 1970. He took over the new Patrol Section.
Three months later, during May 1970, having finished first again, he was promoted to Assistant Chief and took command of the Inspection Services Bureau as Police Inspector. Police Chief Schott died November 23rd and the Civil Service Commission permitted all six assistant chiefs to compete for Chief. Carl Goodin topped that exam, too, and was promoted on February 10, 1971. Within a month, he implemented the new Community Sector Team Policing Plan in District 1 and later expanded it to all the districts. On July 6, 1971, he created the Police Clergy Team to deal with emergencies arising from fatal accidents, suicides, and aggravated domestic quarrels. Colonel Goodin retired July 26, 1976 with 24 years of service to his country and community and 26 letters of appreciation and/or commendation.
He then took a position as Corporate Vice President for Frisch’s Restaurants, Inc.
He was predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Barbara “Bobbie” Goodin; daughter-in-law, Vicki Goodin; sister-in-law, Thelma Benson, and brothers, Joseph Goodin and William Goodin. Colonel Goodin is survived by his children, Carl Goodin, Jr. and Jennifer (Greg) Neal; grandchildren, Jessica (Travis) Beard, Vince Goodin, Katelyn Neal and Brett Neal; and sister, Mary Ann Gordon.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on March 29, 2023 at St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church, 4026 River Road. Following the mass, Carl will be entombed at Old St. Joseph Cemetery in the 220th anniversary of the beginning of Cincinnati law enforcement.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Pregnancy Center West.
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