Polk State College Foundation has received a $110,000 gift to establish the Deputy David Michael Goddard Legacy Scholarship, an endowed fund that will support students pursuing careers in law enforcement and criminal justice while honoring the life and service of a fallen Polk County deputy.

The scholarship, created by donor Charles “Chuck” Goddard, commemorates his father, Deputy David Michael Goddard, who was killed in the line of duty while serving with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office in 1989. 

Through the endowed fund, one student each year will receive a scholarship designed to cover tuition, fees, and books, helping remove financial barriers to higher education and supporting the next generation of public safety professionals.

The announcement was made during the Polk State District Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday, June 3, where Georgia Goddard and Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd were also in attendance.

“This scholarship represents more than an investment in education,” said Steven S. Warner, Vice President of Resource Development and Executive Director of the Polk State College Foundation. “It is a lasting tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and service exemplified by Deputy Goddard and so many others who have given their lives in service to their communities.”

Warner emphasized that the gift reflects the Foundation’s broader mission to expand access and student success.

“Our vision is clear, financial barriers will not determine who can pursue higher education in Polk County,” Warner said. “By removing those barriers, we empower students to reach their full potential and contribute to the economic vitality of our community.”

The investment also reinforces the College’s longstanding partnership with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the strength of its public safety programs. Polk State’s Law Enforcement and Corrections academies boast 100% licensure pass rates, and the College continues to expand its academic offerings to meet community needs.

The Criminal Justice Bachelor of Applied Science program recently introduced a Crime Scene Investigations concentration, reflecting growing demand for specialized training in the field. In addition, Polk State and the Sheriff’s Office collaborate on the National Institute of Public Safety, which provides advanced, career-focused training for law enforcement professionals across the region.

Together, these programs ensure that students are prepared to enter the workforce with the skills and credentials needed to serve and protect their communities, making the Goddard family’s investment both timely and impactful. The endowment is structured to generate approximately $3,300 annually, allowing the Foundation to provide sustained support to students.

“I'm sorry Chuck could not be here,” Georgia Goddard said. “He has actually been working on this project for the Foundation for many years .. but we are super excited to be able to share this with future students who need to have that extra help or financial burden lifted.”

Joanie Malone, Chief Financial Officer for the Polk State College Foundation, led the effort to establish the scholarship in partnership with the Goddard family.

“I want to commend Joanie for the phenomenal work she did cultivating this partnership and bringing this meaningful gift forward,” Warner said. “Her leadership reflects the collaborative spirit that advances our mission.”

In a message shared on behalf of the family, Chuck Goddard expressed his hope that the scholarship will inspire and support future public servants.

“This scholarship is my tribute to my father and every law enforcement officer who has made the ultimate sacrifice,” Goddard said. “I hope it provides a student pursuing a career in law enforcement with the support they need to achieve their goals.”

The Goddard Foundation, established by Goddard, supports families of fallen officers and provides scholarships and assistance for individuals pursuing careers in law enforcement.

“Great success … to [Steve] and Joanie for securing that endowment from the Goddards,” said Trustee Steve Lester, a Polk State Distinguished Alumnus and Chief of Staff for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. 

“I worked with David every day,” Lester said. “I knew him well. It was a very tragic loss as they all are, but he was a fine man and to see his family generations later continue his legacy is really awesome. Thank you all for that.”

The new scholarship aligns closely with the Foundation’s guiding principle of investing in student success and measuring impact through the achievements of its graduates.

“This is a powerful example of what philanthropy makes possible,” Warner said. “We are deeply grateful to the Goddard family for entrusting Polk State College with this legacy and for helping create opportunities that will benefit students for generations to come.”

Anyone interested in learning more about establishing scholarships, endowments or legacy gifts through the Polk State College Foundation are encouraged to explore how their support can help students achieve their educational goals by emailing foundation@polk.edu.