Memorial Service Update:
The
memorial service for Deputy First Class Jason Bush will be held on May 10, 2019
at 11:00 a.m. at the Bay District Volunteer Fire Department located at 46900 S.
Shangri La Drive in Lexington Park. The
memorial service is open to the public, and there will be a press area outside
the fire department. Members of the press will be permitted inside the fire
department to pay their respects however no pictures or videos will be allowed
inside the memorial.
Original Press Release
It is with overwhelming grief and
sadness that the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office announces the loss of
Deputy First Class Jason Bush.
Deputy Bush passed away on
Monday, April 29, 2019, after a courageous and hard-fought battle against
cancer. He was just 34 years old.
Jason was a native of Prince
George’s County and a graduate of York College of Pennsylvania with a
Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice.
After graduation, Jason went to work with Prince George’s County
government as a civilian investigator, investigating workplace harassment
claims. Jason had built a solid
reputation in his career but always wanted to be a police officer.
Jason was hired by the St. Mary’s
County Sheriff’s Office on Aug. 10, 2015 and then attended the Southern
Maryland Criminal Justice Academy, Class 42 and graduated on June 3, 2016
distinguishing himself amongst his peers.
Once he graduated from the academy he enthusiastically worked in the
Patrol Division, working diligently each day serving the public. Jason served as a Patrol Officer from his
graduation on June 3, 2016 until his death on April 29, 2019.
Capt. David Yingling, Commander
of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division, said, “When I first
met Jason he distinguished himself with his kind spirit and his commitment to
others. He was a peacemaker on the road
and patiently treating everyone he contacted with tremendous respect. Jason’s grace under pressure and dignity were
such an inspiration to those he served with.”
On March 9, 2019, Jason was
awarded with the Sheriff’s Office Gold Medal of Valor – the agency’s highest
award – which was later presented to him at his home by Sheriff Tim Cameron and
Capt. Yingling in the presence of Jason’s Patrol Squad.
Despite receiving a formidable
cancer diagnosis, Deputy Jason Bush showed exemplary strength in the face of
pain, great dignity despite suffering and demonstrated a continued selfless
desire to contribute to the Sheriff’s Office mission. Deputy Bush remained
positive, devoting time to his family, close friends and his Sheriff’s Office
family – especially his squad. Despite being ill while receiving treatment,
Deputy Bush asked to work light duty in the quartermasters office, putting the
welfare of his colleagues and the agency ahead of his own.
Sheriff Tim Cameron said, “This
is a terribly sad time for the men and women of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s
Office who worked alongside Deputy Bush and called him a colleague and a
friend. However, we can all be extraordinarily proud of Jason for the courage
that he displayed in fighting his cancer. Jason’s calm courage in the storm of
cancer is an inspiration for us all, as is his commitment, bravery and
determination.”
Deputy Bush is survived by his
parents Richard and Vicki Bush of Ridge and the men and women of the St. Mary’s
County Sheriff’s Office.
