SATURDAY, MARCH 26, 2016

Today’s Real American Hero Is Police Officer Jacai Colson
(Killed By Friendly Fire As Gunman Attempted Suicide-By-Cop)

Thousands of mourners gathered to pay their respects to slain Prince George’s County Detective Jacai Colson Friday morning in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

Bagpipes played as Colson’s family arrived at the First Baptist Church of Glenarden for his funeral. They embraced members of the county police department before entering the church to remember Colson’s bright life.

“We’re at peace. Jacai is calm,” his mother Sheila Colson said.

Officers from all over the D.C. area and several states attended the funeral, in solidarity with the Prince George’s County Police Department. Many police cruisers had black bands stretched across their markings in memory of the four-year member of the department killed by friendly fire during a gunfight on March 13.

“Jacai was always one of those people who made light of heavy situations,” said Joel Bolton, a friend of Colson’s from college.

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan told those gathered that though Colson’s life was just beginning, he left a lasting mark as a leader who was always ready to lend a helping hand.

“When many run from danger and adversity, Jacai ran toward it,” Hogan said. “Where others would back down in fear, he stood on the front lines. The legacy of Detective Jacai Colson is that of a beloved son, grandson and brother and it is the enduring legacy of a proud, brave member of the thin blue line.”

Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker said Colson was an inspiration. “He’s a great young man.”

Colson, 28, was shot and killed defending other police officers during an exchange of gunfire outside of the District III station in Landover.

The suspect, 22-year-old Michael Ford, started shooting at the police station when Colson, an undercover detective in plainclothes, arrived on the scene.

Prince George’s County Police Chief Hank Stawinski says responding police officers returned fire, hitting Ford and the detective.

Colson later died from his injuries.

(Officer Jacai Colson and his fellow brothers in blue represent what’s Right With America.)