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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW House fire displaces west Medford family ... Wyden meets in Medford to discuss fight against opioid abuse ... Local scam too scary for parents to ignore ... House fire displaces west Medford family ... Wyden meets in Medford to discuss fight against opioid abuse ... Local scam too scary for parents to ignore ... SEASIDE Community gathers to mourn slain Seaside officer Gov. Kate Brown presents Goodding's wife with Medal of Ultimate Sacrifice Comment By Kyle Spurr The Daily Astorian MailTribune.com By Kyle Spurr The Daily Astorian Posted Feb. 13, 2016 at 2:00 AM By Kyle Spurr The Daily Astorian Posted Feb. 13, 2016 at 2:00 AM » Social News SEASIDE — Everyone who knew Jason Goodding says his smile could light up a room. Before giving the closing benediction at Goodding’s memorial Friday afternoon inside the Seaside Civic and Convention Center, Jerry Gaidos, a chaplain for Clatsop County law enforcement, paused to describe how he will always remember Goodding’s smile. Gaidos, a former patrol officer and criminalist, said he was listening to a man in need this week and began picturing Goodding and thinking about all the times the Seaside Police sergeant helped people in similar situations. “I just became aware of Jason’s smile and face. I sat back and relaxed and just listened to the man talk because that’s what Jason did for people,” Gaidos said. “That’s going to be a legacy I can keep with me all the time.” Goodding, 39, was shot and killed last week while trying to arrest a suspect on a felony assault warrant. Friends and colleagues spoke at the memorial about Goodding’s “chiclet smile,” his compassion and dedication to his family and community. Each person — taking turns standing at a podium above an American flag-covered casket, flowers and photographs of Goodding — addressed a sea of uniformed officers who came from all across the country. At the start of his tribute, Clatsop County Sheriff Tom Bergin slapped a sticker in the shape of a smile on the podium. He said the first thing everyone always noticed about Goodding was his smile. “He always made every single person he talked to feel like you were his best friend,” Bergin said. Bergin, who was Goodding’s next-door neighbor, shared stories about them four-wheeling together and sharing beers on his front porch. “I am so proud to have known Jason,” Bergin said. “He is just an incredible man.” Seaside Police Chief Dave Ham considered Goodding a close friend. “Our hearts are heavy. We are grieving the loss of our department leader, team member and friend,” Ham said. “As we celebrate Jason’s life today, our tears of sadness are going to turn to joy soon.” Ham spoke about fun memories boating, fishing and hiking together. Ham enjoyed visiting Goodding and getting to know his wife, Amy, and two daughters, Joslyn, 13, and Jayden, 10. When he came over to visit, Ham joked, the girls would always mispronounce his name and say, “Damn Ham is here.” While the tone was often casual and humorous, the grief over Goodding’s death in the line of duty was never far from the surface. Gov. Kate Brown recognized Goodding’s commitment with the Medal of Ultimate Sacrifice, which she presented to Goodding’s wife. State Sen. Betsy Johnson, D-Scappoose, passionately spoke out against those who criticize law enforcement officers. The state senator specifically called out fellow lawmakers in the state Legislature who have been experimenting with justice reinvestment programs that keep some criminals out of prison. Phillip Max Ferry, the man who allegedly killed Goodding and was shot dead by police, was a habitual criminal who spent no more than five years in prison. “The very officers expected to be on the front lines so the rest of us can stay safe have been relegated to minor players in a political experiment called justice reinvestment,” Johnson said. Goodding’s memory should be honored by acknowledging what is asked of the police, Johnson said, and not by criticizing them when they do their jobs. “How tragic so many will mourn Sgt. Goodding’s death today, and in the days to come will disrespect public safety professionals by making their jobs more difficult through ill-conceived policies ripe with unintended consequences,” Johnson said. By Kyle Spurr The Daily Astorian MailTribune.com By Kyle Spurr The Daily Astorian Posted Feb. 13, 2016 at 2:00 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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