K-9 unit’s leader receives Hall of Fame ‘Award of Character’
“This isn’t about me.”
It’s a line Dave Godfrey has lived by – and one he repeated when he was surprised by New York Giants legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer HARRY CARSON and Jarrett Payton, son of WALTER PAYTON, in a recent visit.
They were there to deliver news.
“We’re here to present you with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Award of Character,” Payton told Godfrey.
Godfrey, standing alongside colleagues who know him best, stayed true to form.
“I’m just Dave,” he said. “I’m here to help and do what I do because it’s the right thing to do.”
A career built on service and relationships
For years, Godfrey has been a central figure in the York County (Pennsylvania) Sheriff’s Office – especially within its K‑9 unit.
“He is York County Sheriff’s Office,” one colleague said.
“Look at his legacy,” echoed York County Sheriff Richard Keuerleber. “Look what he’s done for this organization and the community.”
Godfrey started as a handler before becoming a trainer and eventually a master trainer, helping build the K‑9 program into a cornerstone of the department.
The unit responds to hundreds of calls each year – from tracking suspects to bomb detection – while also staying deeply connected to the community through outreach events.
“I wanted them embedded in the community,” Godfrey said. “Because we are there for them.”
His leadership extends beyond the job itself.
“He’s mentored me through my entire K‑9 career,” Sgt. Brian Rohrbaugh said. “He’s like a big brother.”
The bond that defines the work
In the K‑9 world, the connection between handler and dog is everything.
“The leash is like an umbilical cord,” Godfrey said. “You get so attached to that dog.”
That bond defined Godfrey’s career – particularly with his partner, Dargo, one of York County’s first bomb‑detecting dogs.
Their relationship was, as colleagues describe it, the pinnacle of what a K‑9 team can be.
“Dargo cherished Godfrey," Rohrbaugh said.
The day everything changed
In September, a call involving an armed suspect quickly turned into something far more dangerous.
Officers approached a home. As they made entry, gunfire erupted.
“He killed the first three officers that went in,” Godfrey said.
Moments later, Godfrey was hit multiple times.
“I thought I was paralyzed,” he said. “He wanted to kill me.”
Despite his injuries, Godfrey returned fire and tried to take cover, preparing for what he believed could be his final moments.
“I wanted to hear my wife’s voice one more time,” he said. “I told her, ‘I don’t think I’m coming home tonight.’”
'Dargo saved his life'
As the shots continued, one final round struck Godfrey but didn’t penetrate.
The bullet hit his pocket, stopped by a wallet and credit cards, including one bearing Dargo’s image.
“That round would have hit my femoral artery,” Godfrey said. “I would’ve bled out in seconds.”
To those who know him, the meaning was clear.
“Dargo saved his life,” one colleague said.
Recovery, resilience and moving forward
Godfrey survived, but his recovery has been long and painful.
“It’s been nothing but pain every single day,” he said.
Still, his mindset hasn’t changed.
“You’ve got to keep going,” he said. “You have no other choice.”
That attitude has inspired those around him — the same way his leadership has for years.
“We need people to inspire people to do good,” said Sherri Keller, an area resident who got to know Godfrey through his work with the Make-A-Wish foundation. “We live in a dark time, and Dave's a light in that.”
What the honor represents
For Godfrey, the recognition isn’t about legacy or titles.
“I’m not a big fan of the word ‘hero,’” he said.
But the moment still carries meaning.
“It makes you feel good that what you’ve tried to do all these years,” he said, “you didn’t do too bad a job.”
USA TODAY, the national publication in the Gannett | USA TODAY Network portfolio, assists in administering the Hall’s Awards of Character program and publicizing the monthly winners. A feature story about Godfrey published online today and will appear in USA TODAY-affiliated publications across the country.
Payton Productions, the media company led by the Payton Family, captures the moments when the honorees learn of their selection and, in partnership with USA TODAY, shares the award-winners’ inspiring stories of character in action nationally.
Additional honorees for Awards of Character will be chosen throughout 2026, from these professions: police officer, military veteran, firefighter/EMT, nurse, teacher and coach. Get more information or nominate someone for the award here.
