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US Forest Service Mourns Loss of NC Law Enforcement Officer, USDA Leaders Address Death

Crisp and Maros
Crisp and Maros

March 14, 2014. The U.S. Forest Service today is mourning the loss of Jason Crisp, a 38-year-old law enforcement officer on the Grandfather Ranger District, Pisgah National Forest. Crisp is survived by his wife and two children.

“This is a tragic loss for our Forest Service family,” said Special Agent in Charge Steve Ruppert. “Our thoughts are with Jason’s wife and their two sons. Words cannot express our sadness.”

Crisp and his K-9 partner Maros were killed in the line of duty yesterday in Burke County, N.C. Crisp, who began his career on the Grandfather Ranger District as a timber marker, graduated from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in 2005.

“Jason took great pride in his work on the Grandfather,” said Southern Regional Forester Liz Agpaoa. “He was a very kind and understanding man who could light up a room with his sense of humor. He will be missed by all who knew him and had the fortune to work with him.”

The details surrounding Crisp’s death are still under investigation.

“Our local and federal law enforcement partners are working with us to find out exactly what happened to Jason and Maros,” said Ruppert. “We can’t thank them enough for their efforts.”

Funeral arrangements for Crisp have not yet been finalized.

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USDA leaders address death of Law Enforcement Officer Jason Crisp 

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack made the following statement today:
“U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer Jason Crisp gave his life yesterday in service to his country. On behalf of the United States Department of Agriculture, I offer my deepest condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. We keep Jason in our thoughts and prayers and pledge to honor all of those who protect and serve. Officer Crisp, who was killed alongside his K-9 partner Maros, upheld the finest traditions of the Forest Service.”

U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell addresses employees about the death of Jason Crisp

Today the Forest Service family is mourning the tragic loss of one of our own, Law Enforcement Officer Jason Crisp, who was killed in the line of duty while pursuing a suspect in Burke County, N.C., yesterday. His K-9 partner was also killed during the pursuit. In honor of Jason’s service, we will be sending out information to have flags flown at half-staff at all Forest Service facilities. We have an incident team en route to North Carolina to assist his family and coworkers in this difficult time. Jason was an outstanding officer, coworker and friend, and words cannot adequately express how deeply this loss is felt throughout our agency. His selfless devotion to duty is in keeping with the finest traditions of our law enforcement program, and his life of service for the greater good should serve as an example for all of us. Please keep Jason’s wife and two children in your thoughts and prayers.