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In the latest episode of “Sheepdog and Shepherd,” the discussion turned to a subject that cuts deep for anyone who has worn a badge, served in the military, or simply cares about the safety of children: How do we respond to evil when it harms the most vulnerable among us?
“The earthly side of me wants to destroy those people,” Tony Godwin admitted candidly. He has served as a detective for 35 years with the Garland Police Department in Texas. Tony also previously served in the military. Tony’s work includes serving on the North Texas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, where he has often operated undercover to track down those seeking to exploit young people online. Tony is also the podcast host of Catfish Cops, which brings training and awareness to parents and other people who keep kids safe.
“The selfish side of me wants to see them suffer and go through a tenth of what they’ve put these children through, because it’s such a miscarriage of justice for children. The most innocent on the planet that don’t deserve or ask for any of that.”
It was a raw, unfiltered moment that every law enforcement officer or veteran who has seen the worst of humanity can relate to. Tony also described his higher calling.
“My bigger, greater goal is, I want to pull that kid back to a path of restoration where they are back on the right path,” he said. “I want to empower a kid to know this doesn’t define you. There’s something bigger for you.”
That theme of restoration and redemption ran through the interview. Tony explained how cycles of dysfunction often trap people for life. “We see these people who kind of live in dysfunction their whole lives, and everything around them just attracts jerks, and they get mistreated. I want to stop that. I want them to know they can break free.”
Set against the backdrop of Fort Worth, Texas, the conversation connected the personal struggles of children with the work of law enforcement and community leaders to stand in the gap when society fails.
The words carried both toughness and tenderness. Tony acknowledged anger at injustice alongside a commitment to restoration.
“Don’t ever believe that what happened to you is the end of your story,” he said in closing. “Your life is worth more than that, and there’s a bigger plan for you.”
Crime, violence, and broken systems seem to dominate headlines, but Tony’s message offered hope. He shares that there is still room for justice and healing that starts with refusing to let evil have the final word.
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