WALDORF, Md. (WUSA9) -- Hundreds attended the funeral for Charles County sheriff's officer Cpl. Jamel Clagett on Tuesday. Clagett was killed in a car crash on Dec 21.
Citizens who didn't know Cpl. Clagett say they came out Tuesday morning to honor him because it's the right thing to do.
"I just felt that for all that officer did, he died in the line of duty, the least I could do is pay my respects. Seemed like a well-liked man and a positive person in the community," says Shawn Jacks, who lives in Charles County.
"He would do the work of a police officer all the way around," says another Charles County resident who stopped to pay his respects.
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As many as 20 other agencies participated in the procession, including officers from Maryland, D.C., New York even Canada. Clagett died last week in a car accident on his way home from work.
He was a 10 year veteran who was known for his random acts of kindness. In fact, his final act was the day he died. Cpl Clagett had just finished an overnight shift, but instead of going home, he bought and delivered breakfast for his communications staff. Many times, Cpl. Clagett would give money out of his own pocket to those in need. One cold night, Clagett found a homeless woman and knew she needed to get warm, so he paid for her to stay for two nights at a nearby hotel, out of his own money.
His fellow officers say that's just the way he was, always looking out for other people. His reputation in the community was that of someone who cared.
"It's important (to honor our officers) because they are a part of the community, they are there when we need them," says Faye Wallace, a Charles County resident who came out to pay her respects. "All of them are not bad. All are not good. But we still have to love them."
Clagett is buried at St Peter's church cemetery. He leaves behind his mother, a sister and two brothers. He was 30-years-old.
