EXCLUSIVE: Jason Crisp's widow talks about endless memories with late husband

MARION, N.C. — A widow remembers her late husband, Officer Jason Crisp, who was killed in the line of duty last month in a one-on-one interview with Channel 9 anchor Blair Miller.

Amanda Crisp shared her memories with Miller and talked about the community's support and how they spent their final days together.

Crisp was shot and killed while trying to hunt down murder suspect Troy Whisnant.

Amanda Crisp talked with Miller at the home that she and Jason spent years building.

She didn't want to talk about the day he was shot, but she opened up about the man she described as her rock and best friend.

She talked about how her two sons are coping and how the community rallied behind her family.

The dream home they were building together is now being finished by friends and church members.

It's where Amanda now remembers the love of her life surrounded by his endless memories.

SPECIAL SECTION: Jason Crisp - Killed in the line of duty

Amanda constantly replays the days leading up to her husband's death, including a conversation they had two nights before he died.

"Out of the clear blue, we were just talking. I told him he was my best friend," Amanda said. "I don't know why, for some reason I told him and he was like, 'You're my best friend too.'"

This past Tuesday, the couple would have celebrated 19 years of marriage.

"He was my best friend. 19 years in a long time to be with someone. We had plenty of bumps in the road, but I think that's what made us so strong," Amanda said.

So many remember Crisp not only as a dedicated law enforcement officer, but also a loving father of two boys, ages 15 and 6.

"How are your boys doing?" Miller asked.

BEHIND THE SCENES: Images of Blair Miller's exclusive interview with Amanda Crisp

"They are doing OK. They are very strong. I think my 15-year-old feels like he has to be strong for me," Amanda said.

"The small one, Logan, he doesn't talk too much about it," she said.

The entire family is still very much trying to heal.

On Saturday, they will be receiving a donated German shepherd puppy.

Crisp's K-9 officer Maros was also killed during the manhunt.

Amanda said it's that kind of community support that has held her up.

"It's more than I could ever imagine. That community could do my heart just so full and I thank them for it," Amanda said.

If you would like to help the Crisp family:

• Go to: gofundme.com
• People can give donations using their credit or debit cards; the money goes into an account set up for the Crisp family at State Employees' Credit Union.
• The company does keep 7.5 percent of every dollar, and there is a 30-cent transaction fee.
• The funds will be used to support the Crisp family and hopefully give them a permanent home.
• Any donation is a gift to the family, so it is nontaxable.

WSOC