Through some somber moments on the House floor, Oregon representatives ultimately unanimously passed House Concurrent Resolution 206 on Feb. 23, a memorial tribute to Oregon AFSCME member Buddy Ray Herron.

The 42-year-old Herron was killed Nov. 28 on his way to Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution, where he was a Corrections Officer and a member of Local 3361. Coming from his home in rural Helix near midnight, Herron stopped to help an apparent stranded motorist. In fact, the motorist was a young man with a troubled past and a long criminal history; in a struggle over Herron's vehicle, he dealt Herron wounds that ultimately proved fatal. He was arrested in nearby Hermiston soon thereafter and awaits trial.

Feb. 23 was a day to honor Herron. The Oregon Department of Corrections' color guard unit presented the U.S. and Oregon flags during the House chamber's opening ceremonies. Although Herron's family was unable to attend, representatives from the DOC — including new Director Colette Peters — and several AFSCME representatives were on hand.

Longtime Council 75 Public Safety lobbyist Mary Botkin was instrumental in drafting the language of HCR 206 and bird-dogging it through a complicated process. The measure was carried on the floor by state Rep. Bob Jenson (R-Pendleton), whose district includes EOCI.

An emotional Jenson paused several times while reading the resolution's text to his House colleagues.

"Officer Herron stopped to help a person who obviously didn't deserve that help," said Jenson. "Despite this tragedy, his wife sent us a message saying that Buddy, in his memory, would never want people to not do the right thing and not stop to help a stranger. That's his legacy to us all today."

HCR 206 was met with applause and a quick 60-0 vote. It moves on to the Senate, where a similar result is expected soon, and then a ceremonial copy will be made available to the family once signed by Gov. John Kitzhaber.

The full text of HCR 206 is included as a PDF attachment to this article.