Oxford Township police chief, former county deputy sheriff, dies

Oxford Township Police Chief Michael Goins, who died Thursday.

Photo provided by the Oxford Police Department

Oxford Township Police Chief Michael Goins, who died Thursday.

Oxford Township Police Chief Michael Goins died at his Oxford area home Thursday morning, according to a Facebook posting by the Oxford Police Department (OPD). 

“With immense sadness we say goodbye to our friend and colleague, Oxford Township Police Chief Michael Goins, who was found deceased at his home this morning,” the posting wrote. No cause of death was given.

Goins had decades of local law enforcement experience, having served as a Butler County deputy sheriff before becoming the township police chief.

The city police often cooperated with the township department in local policing, according to OPD. The city of Oxford lies within Oxford Township. 

Other online tributes from other departments were quick to follow that of OPD on Thursday.

“The thoughts and prayers of the men and women of the Ross Township Police Department go out to the family of Oxford Township Chief of Police, Michael Goins. . .  Please extend your thoughts and prayers to our Brother in Blue and to his family,” the Ross Police Department wrote.

Colleagues describe Goins as a calm and cool officer who was a bright spot in the day of the people he met. 

“He was a knowledgeable law enforcement officer who clearly had found his calling for public service,” according to the OPD tribute.

There was no information immediately available about survivors or funeral arrangements.