FAIRFAX, Va. — The Fairfax City Police Department has started a new decade and year mourning the loss of veteran officer George Moskowitz, who died of a medical emergency while on duty Tuesday.
Moskowitz was on duty when he suffered the medical emergency at the Fairfax City Police headquarters, according to the department, who added that EMS medics did respond but were unable to revive him. Colleagues of Moskowitz also tried to help him when he first suffered a medical emergency.
"It's really challenging when you're doing life-saving efforts on your co-worker," City of Fairfax Police Chief Erin Schaible said.
Schaible said one of Moskowitz's coworkers walked into the men's locker room Tuesday and found him unresponsive. The officer immediately started CPR and called for assistance, Schaible said.
"Several officers were in the station and ran up to start CPR," Schaible said. "They utilized the AED, they called rescue."
Moskowitz worked with Fairfax City Police since 2011 after retiring from the Fairfax County Police Department following a distinguished career of more than 25-years, reaching the rank of Second Lieutenant. Schaible said Moskoqitz was immersed in the community.
"His heart was there and he actually lives here, his children grew up here," Schaible said. "So he's from the city and for him to have an opportunity to be a law enforcement officer in the city was everything to him."
According to Fairfax City Police, Moskowitz was in charge of the Community Services Division for its department. He first served as a school resource officer before taking the role.
"It is with great sadness that we mourn the unexpected loss of Sergeant George Moskowitz," said Fairfax City Police in its tweet honoring its officer. "Sgt Moskowitz suffered from a medical emergency while on duty yesterday (Tuesday). Sgt Moskowitz was an 8-year vet with our dept after he retired from a distinguished career with Fairfax County PD."
Officials with Fairfax City Police have not told WUSA9 what medical emergency led to Moskowitz's death.
Part of Moskowitz's duties as head of Fairfax City PD's Community Services Division included managing school resource officers, crossing guards and the department's motorcycle units.
Other law enforcement agencies have responded on social media to the sudden and tragic death of Moskowitz.
"Our heartfelt condolences to Sergeant Moskowitz’s family and to all who were honored to serve with him," said the Alexandria Sheriff's Office via Twitter.
Fairfax City Councilmember Jennifer Passey also expressed her condolences on social media.
"One of my favorite events each year is National Night Out in the City of Fairfax," Passey said. "Sgt Moskowitz made this event happen, demonstrating his commitment to building strong relationships among all in our community. He will be greatly missed."
A procession for Moskowitz was held Tuesday night, which was captured by a member of the George Mason University Police Department who was part of it.
Local departments have also been sending representatives to the Fairfax City Police headquarters to pay respect to Moskowitz and his colleagues, according to WUSA9's Scott Broom.
A publication by Fairfax High School said that Moskowitz inherently always knew he wanted to be a police officer and that he attend the University of Maryland for college. Moskowitz also reportedly loved sports and being active on his days off.