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MARION, NC – Mourners braved a cold, steady rainΒ SundayΒ as they came to give family members their condolences.
“Jason was a loving father, a caring co-worker, a hard-working co-worker,” says Stevin Westcott, with the US Forestry Service. Β Westcott was one of hundreds remembering him at West Court Baptist Church in Marion.Β He says the Forest Service Officer showed courage stepping up to help in a manhunt.Β “There aren’t too many people who would be willing to do that. To sacrifice that and that’s what they did,” he says.
Investigators say Crisp and his K-9 partner Maros were killedΒ WednesdayΒ by Troy Whisnant.Β Whisnant was on the run after police say the man killed his father and stepmother in Burke County.Β Police tracked him into the woods.. and say Officer Crisp didn’t hesitate to help.
“When there was a need, Jason stepped up. And he did that day. As did Maros, and paid the ultimate sacrifice,” Westcott says.
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As more officers arrived, Whisnant was killed after firing at them as well.Β
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Those who work with the Forest Service say losing one of their own is always difficult.Β “It’s a family. Whether it’s law enforcement, fire, when something like this happens, everybody comes together and has to go through the grieving process together,” says Michael Williams.
Crisp leaves behind a wife and two children.
