CCSO Mourns Loss of Officer in Crash

Charles County Sheriff Troy D. Berry is saddened to announce the death of Patrolman First Class Jamel Clagett, 30, who died in a motor vehicle crash this morning on Route 218 in King George, Virginia. PFC Clagett was driving home after working a midnight shift when his car left the roadway and struck a tree; he died instantly. PFC Clagett, a ten-year decorated veteran of the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, was assigned to Patrol Operations at the District IV Waldorf station.

“Jamel was a great policeman who cared about his community and valued his fellow workers. He was known for his kindness. In fact, his last act this morning – after working an eight hour overnight shift – was buying breakfast at a local restaurant and dropping it off to our midnight communications staff, whom he considered family,” said Sheriff Berry. “Jamel always made it a point to look out for others and to make sure everyone was happy before he went home for the day,” Sheriff Berry said.

During his tenure, PFC Clagett received letters of appreciation from citizens and was honored with awards from various agencies. In 2011, PFC Clagett was recognized by the Maryland State Highway Administration for his work in DUI prevention. In 2010, PFC Clagett received a Meritorious Service Award from the CCSO after subduing a man who was armed with a knife and attempting to injure his family. In 2004, PFC Clagett received a Governor’s Citation for outstanding efforts in crime prevention and home security.

PFC Clagett is survived by his mother, two brothers and a sister. Details regarding his funeral are forthcoming.

The Charles County Sheriff’s Office is a full-service law enforcement agency comprised of more than 600 police, corrections and civilian personnel responsible for protecting more than 150,000 residents. The CCSO was accredited by the Commission on the Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) in 2001 has been designated as a CALEA Gold Standard of Excellence agency since 2011. Established in 1658, the CCSO is one of the oldest law enforcement agencies in the United States. For more information, visit ccso.us.

Media Contact
Diane Richardson
301-609-6557
richardsond@ccso.us

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December 22, 2014 — Today, Sheriff Troy Berry posthumously promoted Police Officer First Class Jamel Clagett to the rank of Corporal. Cpl. Clagett will be escorted back to Maryland this afternoon by members of the Charles County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard and fellow officers.

The Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 24, has established a benevolent fund in Cpl. Clagett’s memory. Donations may be made to:

The Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 24, Benevolent Fund.
10285 Rosewick Road
P.O. Box 1927
La Plata, MD 20646

Contact Sgt. John Elliott, President, FOP Lodge 24

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