A Charles County officer performed one last good deed just before dying in a car crash on his way home early Monday.
Patrolman First Class Jamel Clagett, 30 -- "known for his kindness" -- had just finished an overnight shift when he stopped off to deliver breakfast to the dispatchers, whom he considered family.
Then he headed for his home in Dalhgren, Virginia. Clagett was driving in his police cruiser when he veered off Route 218 in King George, Virginia early Monday. The cruiser crashed into a tree.
Authorities said Clagett died instantly.
Charles County Sheriff Troy D. Berry praised Clagett's accomplishments in a statement Monday, highlighting his kind final gift.
"Jamel was a great policeman who cared about his community and valued his fellow workers. He was known for his kindness," Berry said. "In fact, his last act this morning -- after working an eight hour overnight shift -- was buying breakfast at a local restaurant and dropping it off to our midnight communications staff, whom he considered family."
Berry's statement continued, "Jamel always made it a point to look out for others and to make sure everyone was happy before he went home for the day."
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In 2011, Maryland recognized Clagett for his efforts at preventing drunk driving. In 2010, he received a Meritorious Service Award after subduing a man who was armed with a knife and attempting to injure his family.
Clagett had also received a governor's citation in 2004 for his efforts in crime prevention and home security.
He leaves behind his mother, two brothers and a sister.
