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Stafford deputy, firefighter remembered for passion to serve
Date published: 10/26/2007
BY ELLEN BILTZ and KEITH EPPS
Catherine Harris had been with Jason Mooney for six years. She hoped to be with him for many more. Those hopes came to a tragic end after the 24-year-old Mooney, a Stafford County deputy, died following a single-vehicle wreck Friday night on Interstate 95. Mooney was on his way to assist at another serious accident when he lost control of his cruiser and ran off the interstate. Harris, a firefighter and medic in Stafford and Mooney's fiancee, was the first rescue worker on the scene that night. She told a large group of mourners yesterday that she'll never forget that or the times she had with Mooney. "I thank God to have been loved by such a wonderful man," Harris said to a crowd assembled at Oak Hill Cemetery in Fredericksburg. "I will always forever love [Mooney]." Few of the more than 1,000 people who gathered for the fallen deputy's funeral yesterday knew Mooney as well as Harris. But it was obvious that his death deeply touched even those who didn't know him personally. Law enforcement, firefighters and Marines filled St. Mary Catholic Church, its community room and parking lot yesterday. They spent hours waiting in the rain and cold to honor one of their own. And they all considered Jason Edward Mooney family. Family was the focus of those who spoke at Mooney's funeral yesterday. The young deputy was a member of several service organizations. "It's not how these officers died that made them heroes, its how they lived," Stafford Sheriff Charles Jett told Mooney's family and friends. "At 24 years of age, this young man had his priorities in order. Jason packed in more living in 24 years than most of us in a lifetime." Mooney graduated from Colonial Forge High School in 2002 and went into the U.S. Marines. After a tour in Iraq, he worked for the Prince William Fire Department. Then became a sheriff's deputy for Stafford County and volunteered with Stafford Volunteer Fire Department at the same time. Chief John McDonald of Stafford Fire and Rescue told the mourners that members of his agency talked about the humorous side of their friend and "brother."
Read more stories about Stafford Date published: 10/26/2007
would be so short and thats why you did so much. You really knew how to change people's lives. This world lost a great person and those who were close to you lost a great friend. My prayers go out to the Mooney family, you all raised a great son, and to the Harris family, you lost a great soon to be son-in-law, brother-in-law, and husband. Cat my prayers and wishes are with you. We all knew how much he loved you and I don't think that love will stop just because death stepped in, Stay strong. Smile.
I can't grasp that you are gone. I know that we stopped talking but hey, those few months you really showed me a lot about being a good person. We would joke around and you would act like you were mad but you were just joking. I miss you. I know that Cat really does. I can't even start to grasp what she is going through. Death is always something we fear because it's unknown and it takes loved ones away but I'm sure you just took it as another step in life. I can't help but wonder if you knew your life
As a member of the law enforcement community, I would like to extend and convey my deepest sympathy to you all. I realize that this is a very difficult and tough time. However, God will give each of you the courage to go through. Approximately ten (10) years ago one of my fellow officers in law enforcement died in a tragic accident on Christmas Day. It was very tough as I spoke during the service but God gave me the strength and courage to do so.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I usually do not post comments but the guy who wants to know if speed was a factor provoked me.There were many factors here.HUMAN EMOTION,DUTY,HONOR,COURAGE are some words that come to mind.It's easy to monday morning qb when you're not on the field sunday.
Persons who have not served as police officers are not qualified to pass judgment on their operating environment. Driving in inclement weather with your powerful emergency lights flashing in your eyes, your siren blaring in your ears, while you are communicating on a radio, and traveling at a high rate of speed while also trying to avoid civilians who are not paying attention is incredibly challenging. Drive a Code-3 mile in a police officer’s cruiser before you pass any judgment.
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