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Community, fellow officers pay respects to fallen Officer Crisp

MARION, N.C. — Channel 9 was there as dozens of law enforcement agencies not only from North Carolina but across the southeast paid their respects to U.S. Forest Service Officer Jason Crisp.

Many of the people in Marion came out Monday afternoon not only to honor Crisp but also to show support for his family. 

LIVE UPDATES: U.S. Forest Service Officer, K-9 partner killed

 
Along Highway 70, the possession stretched for miles.  It came to a halt under a huge American flag.  
         
There, Highway Patrol officers moved the body of Crisp to the patrol's Caisson unit.  

IMAGES: Funeral for Jason Crisp
         
Family members, including Crisp's wife and two boys, got out of a U.S. Forest Service SUV. 
        
Together with other family and close friends, they watched as the officers worked together with horses to move Crisp for the last half mile to McDowell County High School.  
          
Hundreds of people braved the cold weather as the Caisson unit passed.  
 
Channel 9 saw people lining the street in near-freezing temperatures for more than an hour before the procession even started.

SPECIAL SECTION: Fallen officer Jason Crisp
 
Many of them waited for the last police cruiser to past before leaving US 70.   
 
Residents in the small community are still in shock that one of their own was shot and killed in the line of duty.  
 
"I think when they see all of this they'll know that he meant something to McDowell County," said resident Linda Shuford.
 
"My heart goes out to the family. It is so sad. I just want to show him that it is important to pay respect," said resident Ashley Kerlee.

LATEST STORIES: Jason Crisp - Killed in the line of duty
 
The majority of the people Channel 9 talked with did not know Crisp, but Channel 9 did talk with two women who were former classmates of his.  
 
"(He was) kind-hearted, willing to do anything for anybody.   He was a really good friend.   If you ever needed anything, he was there,” said former classmate Nancy Hawkins.
 
The cold, damp weather didn't keep Wanda Coates from coming to Highway 70 with her two grandchildren Monday.
 
"I think they need to see what can happen. What can happen and it is so sudden,” Coats said.
     
"It certainly put a lump in my throat. It would be such a way to be honored and memorialized," said mother Donita Clemmons.
 
During the procession Channel 9 also saw firefighters and police standing at attention as it passed.   

It is a day here many say they won't ever forget.

Please leave your condolences for Crisp's family on our Facebook page here.

Condolences & Memorial Fund

Cards can be sent to:
Crisp Family, 109 East Lawing Drive, Nebo, NC 28761

Donations can be made out to:
Amanda Crisp

Mailed to:
State Employees Credit Union, PO Box 8, Marion, NC 28752

or

Hand delivered to:
State Employees Credit Union, 1004 W. Tate Street, Marion, NC 28752

All donations will be given to a fund for Jason and Amanda's children.