Gooch Named DPS Director
Chad Gooch has been selected as the next director of Truman’s Department of Public Safety.
A dedicated law enforcement officer with 25 years of experience, Gooch is returning to DPS after an extensive career with the Columbia Police Department. The Kirksville native was a Truman officer for nearly five years in the early 2000s.
During his tenure with the Columbia Police Department, Gooch gained experience in a number of roles, including as a patrol officer, field training officer, member of the Street Crimes Unit, Special Weapons and Tactics Team leader, downtown unit sergeant, patrol division watch commander and lieutenant of the special services division.
“Truman State University and the Kirksville community provided me the foundation for a rewarding law enforcement career serving the citizens of Columbia, Missouri. During my time in Columbia, I learned the value of hard work, commitment to your department and the value of relationships built while serving your community,” Gooch said. “I am excited to lead the law enforcement professionals of Truman Police and the Department of Public Safety. Truman State University has a very bright future and the DPS will contribute to that success.”
Gooch also brings classroom experience from two years spent as an adjunct professor of criminal justice with Columbia College. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, as well as a master’s degree in criminal justice from Columbia College. Additionally, he completed the FBI-Law Enforcement Executive Development Association’s Executive and Command Leadership School.
Gooch will begin his duties with Truman DPS April 1.
A dedicated law enforcement officer with 25 years of experience, Gooch is returning to DPS after an extensive career with the Columbia Police Department. The Kirksville native was a Truman officer for nearly five years in the early 2000s.
During his tenure with the Columbia Police Department, Gooch gained experience in a number of roles, including as a patrol officer, field training officer, member of the Street Crimes Unit, Special Weapons and Tactics Team leader, downtown unit sergeant, patrol division watch commander and lieutenant of the special services division.
“Truman State University and the Kirksville community provided me the foundation for a rewarding law enforcement career serving the citizens of Columbia, Missouri. During my time in Columbia, I learned the value of hard work, commitment to your department and the value of relationships built while serving your community,” Gooch said. “I am excited to lead the law enforcement professionals of Truman Police and the Department of Public Safety. Truman State University has a very bright future and the DPS will contribute to that success.”
Gooch also brings classroom experience from two years spent as an adjunct professor of criminal justice with Columbia College. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Missouri-Kansas City, as well as a master’s degree in criminal justice from Columbia College. Additionally, he completed the FBI-Law Enforcement Executive Development Association’s Executive and Command Leadership School.
Gooch will begin his duties with Truman DPS April 1.
