In Memoriam

The torrential rains drenching the northern coastal city stopped at midnight. By early morning the frogs populating the nearby waterway sat silent. A slate grey sky began to crack open to reveal whiter clouds and patches of blue. Scattered xanthous daffodils stood tall in a silent salute. A gentle breeze ruffled the flags flying at half mast. As we gathered along Highway 101 near Seaside, waiting for the motorcade to arrive from Camp Rilea, locals began to drift in. TV cameramen aimed and focused their equipment up the road in prepared expectation. A respectful silence weighed heavily on the scene.

At the precise time a motorcycle policeman in full uniform and gear, with
lights flashing, rode slowly along the route. He was immediately followed by a team of riders in formation fronting the main vehicle, a hearse carrying the remains of the slain Seaside policeman, Sgt. Jason Goodding. Thus began a solemn and silent hour-long procession of motorcycles, cars, vans, ambulances and fire trucks all carrying public safety personnel and often their wives, perhaps some wondering if they would be in a similar circumstance one day to honor their spouses. We nodded in acknowledgement and shared grief. The personnel represented municipalities from Seattle to Grants Pass, Seaside to Baker City. The womp, womp, womp of the Coast Guard helicopter's blades, the ones you want to hear when you are floundering at sea, slowly followed the caravan 200 feet above it.

In tight military formation and conduct the officials and representatives made their way through Seaside to the Convention Center and gathered inside. Due to the extremely large number of visitors the ceremony was streamed live to several other locations along the coast where locals could gather to be part of this memorial to one of their own. Following the protocol for law enforcement funerals, the flag-draped casket was wheeled down the center isle, flanked by the pallbearers. A color guard presented the flags as people stood in respect for them. Bagpipes played. Emotional speeches were made. A slide show reflected on Sgt. Goodding's life and community involvement.

At the end of the two and a half hour service his coffin's flag was slowly and meticulously folded by the pallbearers and graciously presented to Mrs. Goodding by a senior officer on bended knee. He spoke a few private words to her. The emotion of the moment rippled through the crowd as muffled sobs could be heard throughout the auditorium and Mrs. Goodding clutched the flag to her breast, weeping softly. Each daughter, in turn, received her honorary flag and a whispered comment by the presenter. The girls were young; eight and thirteen years respectively. So young to lose a father.

A lone bagpiper played Amazing Grace.

In the closing moments of the service a dispatcher was heard making the last call:

"10-600 to 604. Status check?"  

A long pause.  Breath-holding silence.

"10-600 to 604. Status check?"

A long pause.  Deafening silence.

"10-600 to 604. Status check?"

"End of contact with 604. All units. 604, Sgt. Jason Goodding is out of service. End of watch February 5, 2016. Gone but never forgotten."

The final picture on the large overhead screen read "You stand relieved; we have the watch."

And so another law enforcement officer's life has been taken in defense of the public's safety. Sgt. Jason Goodding lived out the law enforcement and safety service brotherhood's motto: To Protect and Serve. He served to his last breath.

Service video coverage here.