During Monday’s Dallas County Commission meeting, the board said farewell to a longtime county employee as Dallas County Jail warden Roger Goodman prepared for retirement.

During the meeting, Goodman was presented with a plaque and members of the commission and other county employees reflected on his almost 20 years of employment.

Dallas County Probate Judge Kim Ballard said it will be tough to see Goodman walk out the door for the last time when he is officially done.

“It’s a bittersweet time for me because we have been buddies for so many years,” he said. “When somebody you consider your best friend leaves the employment of the county it is hard to think about it.”

Those who have worked with Goodman through the years were very complimentary of his professionalism. Juvenile Detention Center director Marcus Hannah said Goodman was always willing to lend a helping hand.

“He’s not only a great man, he’s a great friend,” he said. “In the years we’ve been over at the juvenile detention center, anything we needed assistance with before you could even get it out of your mouth, he’d said he could find a way to get it.”

Commissioner Connell Towns agreed. Towns said working with Goodman through the years has been a pleasure.

“I truly enjoyed working with (Goodman) in his position,” he said. “He played a big part in some of the things I do in my district and I truly appreciate that.”

One of the things that sets Goodman apart, Commissioner Cutis Williams said, is his work ethic.

“You’ve been a gentleman, you’ve been a scholar and you have been a hard working, dedicated gentleman,” he said. “I just thank you for the way you have handled things.”

Though it is sad to see Goodman go, Commissioner Larry Nickles said he has left the jail in solid shape for his replacement.

“You’re leaving us with a job well done,” he said. “You are losing a great soldier here.”

Through the years, Ballard said Goodman has gone above and beyond to make sure the jail was in top condition. He also said Goodman has helped the jail increase its capabilities to meet the growing demand.

“We have just recently completed a 70-plus capacity increase to the jail thanks to (Goodman),” he said. “The jail is in better shape right now than it has been in many years and it’s largely because of ideas Roger has brought to us and the sheriff. He left it better than he found it.”