State lawmakers have voted unanimously to recognize and honor Seaside Police Sgt. Jason Goodding for his service to the state.

“He fulfilled the vital and difficult job of policing with passion, dedication and diligence, and was known for his immense smile and generous nature,” stated state Rep. Deborah Boone said in bringing Senate Concurrent Resolution 6 to the floor in Salem.

“His reputation was stellar,” Boone. “Everyone loved him. The kids all loved him. I have a granddaughter at the high school and she knew him. He had everyone’s respect and love. It was emotional at all levels.”

Goodding, who was shot and killed in the line of duty in February 2016 while attempting to make a felony warrant arrest on Broadway in Seaside, was recognized as “a mentor and leader who worked to improve the lives of homeless people in Seaside and who was loved and respected by his co-workers and the community he served.”

Goodding’s parents, Dean and Patty Goodding, attended the June 13 event, accompanied by state Sen. Betsy Johnson, sponsor of the original Senate resolution. The Senate proclamation passed unanimously in March before heading to the House.

In the proclamation, Goodding is described by Seaside Police Chief Dave Ham as representing “the best of what anybody’s looking for” as a law enforcement officer.

After his death in the line of duty, Goodding was awarded the Law Enforcement Medal of Ultimate Sacrifice, presented to his wife, Amy, and daughters Joslyn and Jayden at his memorial service in Seaside by Gov. Kate Brown.

Memorials in Salem and in Washington, D.C., also honored his memory.

Goodding and other fallen officers will also be remembered with highway memorial signs, according to Mary Nunnenkamp, chairwoman of the Oregon Law Enforcement Memorial Fund.

“We promise to never forget,” Nunnenkamp told legislators. “We promise to support our survivors for as long as they need us. These signs represent one more way for us to keep that promise. These highway memorial signs are incredibly important to them.”

The resolution recalled Goodding’s “passion, dedication and diligence” in his role as a law enforcement officer.

“My personal regret is that I did not know him,” Boone said this week. “Because I certainly found out what a wonderful person he was after he died. I wish I’d known him.”