Waldorf, MD – Four days before Christmas, Cpl. Jamel Clagett, a deputy with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office, had just finished buying breakfast for the staff at the Waldorf office before heading home in Virginia after concluding the midnight shift.
Clagett’s car ran off the road in King George, VA, and it was there the men and women of the Charles County Sheriff’s Office lost a fellow comrade and friend.
After being brought to church in a horse drawn caisson, Clagett was laid to rest at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Waldorf Wednesday, Dec. 30.
Police officers from Fairfax County and Colonial Beach, Virginia, Anne Arundel County, Prince George’s County, St. Mary’s County, the United States Capital Park Police, Carroll County and Howard County, among others, were all present to lay to rest a fallen officer.
Sgt. John Elliott, president of the Charles County Fraternal Order of Police, said that more than 10 years ago, Clagett took the oath of office, a man who came to be known for his integrity and kindness.
“We knew him, respected him and loved him,” Elliott said. “This is a tremendously difficult time for all of us,” he added.
Elliott said Clagett was the kind of officer who would lend a helping hand regardless of whether it was day or night.
“He had come to stand for everything each person should strive to be,” he added. “There will never come a time when we don’t remember how special he was.”
Sheriff Troy Berry recalled the words on the agency memorial for fallen soldiers.
“All gave some and some gave all,” Berry said.
“This expression touches the very core of selflessness,” he added. “Law enforcement officers are the line between good and evil. We place ourselves in harm’s way every day for people we don’t even know.
“Jamel’s calling to law enforcement was clear,” Berry added. “He was caring, compassionate, committed to keeping our communities safe. He cared about everyone. He paid out of his own pocket for a hotel room for homeless people. The little things he did show how much impact Jamel had on our community.
“His fellow officers on the midnight shift will miss his friendship and his smile,” he said.
“A few weeks ago, Jamel and I talked about how much he loved the Charles County Sheriff’s Office,” Berry said. “He talked about wanting the opportunity to work in traffic enforcement. I could hear the passion and sincerity in his voice. I will always remember and treasure that moment in time.”
“Our failures do not define us,” Pastor Bill Parent told those in attendance. “Love is not a form of weakness, it is one of our greatest strengths. The truth is that Officer Clagett loved. He loved the people he served, his fellow officers, the community, the homeless, even the criminals.”
As Clagett was laid to rest, a formation of police helicopters flew overhead to honor him.
Contact Joseph Norris at joe.norris@thebaynet.com
