Advancements in technology have made the biggest difference in his profession during his tenure.
“Tasers, computers and cameras in vehicles, advanced radios, cell phones – these are all things that didn’t exist when I started,” said Woodard.
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Woodard has said that the job changes with the times. He has noticed the age of suspects has decreased as the severity of their crimes increases.
“It seems that younger people are committing crimes that older people used to commit,” said Woodard.
Woodard’s official anniversary was June 1. He started his career for the city when he was 28, after a brief employment in Madison Township.
“This I where I lived. My family had moved here when I was in in the sixth grade, and I knew West Carrollton was hiring,” said Woodard when asked about applying for a police officer position.
Woodard was soon promoted to K-9 officer with his dog, Nero, in 1991. They served together for four years.
“I knew Doug long before he came to the police department. Like so many young people in West Carrollton, I remember when he worked at Woody’s Market,” said Mayor Jeff Sanner.
The chief recalled a memory of tracking a prisoner who had escaped from Southview Hospital, a chase of three to four miles before apprehending the escapee.
Woodard was promoted in 1995 to sergeant and Nero retired. In 2005, he became deputy chief and interim chief in 2013. He was named chief in March 2014.
He is a 1978 graduate of West Carrollton High School and attended the police academy at the Montgomery County Joint Vocational School, which is known as the Miami Valley Career Technology Center, in 1985.
Woodard received his associate’s degree in 2002 from Sinclair and his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Mountain State University in 2006 and 2012. He has certifications from the Police Executive Leadership College and Certified Law Enforcement Executive program as well as the FBI National Academy Program in March 2016.
Woodward enjoys being a positive influence in many people’s lives, others said.
“I’ve been on council for 30 years and have watched him move up through the ranks. When you grow up in the community where you spend your life’s work, it’s a special place to you,” said Sanner.
“It has been my honor to work with Doug these past 10 years in his roles as deputy chief, acting chief and now chief of police,” said City Manager Brad Townsend. “He has always conducted himself in a very professional manner, upholding the finest traditions of the West Carrollton Police Division.”
Woodard has been married to his wife for eight years. He has one son, one step-son and two grandchildren.
“As chief of this department I have been blessed to be a police officer in a community that I love while working alongside some of the finest men and women in law enforcement,” said Woodard.
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