The Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of retired Deputy Jeanette (Jan) Good, who died on June 9.
According to UCSO, Good dedicated her life to search and rescue and law enforcement. She began her law enforcement career in 1978 as the first female officer for the Pilot Rock Police Department. At a time when female officers were a rare thing anywhere, she became a pioneer and made her mark in a male-dominated profession.
After attaining the rank of sergeant with Pilot Rock Police Department, Good joined the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office in 2000. She worked as a marine deputy and a domestic violence investigator and volunteered as the captain of the Sheriff’s Office Mounted Posse, and a member of search and rescue.
As a volunteer, Good was appointed the Umatilla County Search and Rescue coordinator and served there for many years. She would get called at all hours of the day and night to assemble her team and rescue some lost soul. She was skilled in every aspect of search and rescue and taught countless others to follow in her footsteps. At the time of her death, she remained a part of search and rescue and served as a board member of the Umatilla County Search and Rescue Team.
According to the UCSO, Good was known for saying what she thought and standing her ground when she knew she was right. If you got lost in the woods, she would not hesitate to come to save you. And (once you were safe) if you needed an education on how to avoid getting lost in the future, she would not hesitate to provide you with one.
Although she could appear gruff on the outside, those who knew her best knew she had a big heart. If she saw you struggling, she would offer assistance. She paid attention to others around her and many of us have stories of her offering support and encouragement when we were having a bad day. She understood the struggles of this profession and shared the wisdom she learned through the years.
In a press release, the sheriff’s office wrote the following:
She was a feisty, dedicated, selfless public servant and her dedication to the profession paved the way for others coming after her. She was a friend and a mentor. Our hearts go out to her family, especially her son, retired UCSO Deputy Nathan Good, and her husband, retired UCSO evidence technician Dave Good. They are also part of our law enforcement family. Rest in peace 3214 (her radio number). Thank you for your service, we have it from here.
Services are scheduled for June 21 in Pendleton. More details will be announced later.
