Johnny Welch
Patrolman/Asst. Director, Owensboro (TN) Police Department, Clarksville (TN) Police Department, US Military Police, Asst. Director of Tennessee Law Enforcement Academy
To the man who showed me how to be a man, father and police officer: Johnny Welch went into the US Army straight out of high school where he was a tank driver and later a helicopter pilot. He flew helicopters in Vietnam where he also received his Purple Heart. After Vietnam he briefly left the military to pursue a career in law enforcement in his hometown of Owensboro, Kentucky. He worked as a patrolman for a few years but decided to go back into the military to continue with his aviation career. He was stationed at Ft. Campbell and somehow became the first pilot to fly a police helicopter for the MP’s. After several promotions he left the aviation side of the MP’s he started working patrol shifts as military policeman. After a 23 year career with the MP’s he decided to call it quits and wanted to move into civilian policing. In the late 1980’s he went to work for the Clarksville Police Department in Clarksville, Tennessee. He worked patrol for a few years and a spot came open as an instructor with the Tennessee Law Enforcement Academy. He worked as a general instructor for several years before moving into supervision. At the time of his retirement, he was the Asst. Director of the academy. He wasn’t done with his law enforcement career as he soon took on a position with the Tennessee POST Commission before retiring a few years later. Johnny created his own training company and was very successful travelling across Tennessee training officers on various topics. The title of this story is “MY HERO” and here is why. Having followed in his footsteps in the greatest profession ever! I had the luxury during my career to have my dad as a mentor and guide throughout my career. I can remember as a patrolman I would call him and ask questions about certain issues and he would always have the answer. Sometimes I didn’t like the answer but it was the correct answer. Moving into my years of supervision I would often pick his mind about leadership styles and again he was always spot on with his knowledge. Most kids have sports figures as their hero but not me. Mine was my old man!!! He was always ten feet tall and bulletproof in my mind. I thought my Dad could move mountains. Now did he have his flaws yep like any old crusty Vietnam vet has but at the end of the day if I was going to pick one person to battle with it would be him. That is why he is and will always be my HERO. He taught me how to be the police and help guide me through my career. For that Dad I could never think you enough.
