Five-Year Anniversary of the Passing of Fargo Police Officer Jason David Moszer

We gather today to honor the memory of Fargo Police Officer Jason David Moszer. As a devoted protector, he was doing his job in establishing a perimeter in response to a domestic disturbance call. While working to protect a wife and son from an armed and dangerous man, Jason was tragically struck and later passed away in a local hospital.

It has now been five years since that fateful day and, in many ways, it seems like just yesterday. I’ll never forget where I was when I received the call. It was like losing one of my family members because that’s truly how much we care about each and every one of our team members. Public service is a noble profession and Jason was truly the best of us.

On panel 42-W at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., Jason’s honor, service and memory is forever immortalized. And near Jason’s memorial is a quote that reads the following – “It is not how these officers died that made them heroes. It is how they lived.” And we know – without any doubt - Jason was and is our hero. Today, I would like to focus on how Jason lived his life – and made every moment count.

Jason David Moszer has born to David and Karen on September 27, 1982. A Fargo kid, Jason graduated from Fargo South High School in 2001, NDSU in 2009 and Lake Region Law Enforcement Academy also in 2009.

Sharing the same birthday with his amazing wife, Rachel, he was a loving and devoted father to Dillan and Jolee. He was family-focused in everything, with his family being his pride and joy, his source of inspiration and his passion for doing good. He loved riding his motorcycle, trying new things, making people laugh, entertaining, cooking and camping.

He was a decorated veteran serving as a medic with the Minnesota National Guard on missions in Iraq and Bosnia. In his more than six years of distinguished service to The City of Fargo and the Fargo Police Department, Jason earned the Silver Star commendation and was awarded the Medal of Honor, which is the U.S. military’s highest decoration of valor. Jason excelled at policing and was extremely passionate about his career.

The loss of Jason put on full display the support, love and community-spirit of the Fargo metro. We saw thousands and thousands of blue porch lights, well wishes and encouragement from our residents. And rightfully so. Jason was called to this profession and he gave everything he had – everything – to protect us. He continued to give even after his passing through organ and tissue donations.

To Rachel, Dillan, Jolee, David, Karen, and the entire Moszer family, we honor your loss and sacrifice today and always. In a private ceremony today, I presented Jason’s family with keys to The City of Fargo, which is the highest individual honor that a Mayor may offer.

Jason will never – never – be forgotten as we are committed to memorializing him with our words, actions and deeds as we work to advance and ensure public safety in this city. His sacrifice and honor will always be interwoven into the fabric of the Fargo community and the Fargo PD.

And now, to the members of the Fargo Police Department and other law enforcement agencies gathered here today and those watching this broadcast, I sincerely grieve with you. I have come to understand more and more the special bond that unites law enforcement officers. Whether you personally knew Jason or came to know him after this tragedy, this loss is felt in each of you and you have my deepest condolences.

I think of Jason every single day and consider him to be our silent guardian watching over his family, our police force and the entire Fargo community. May his memory forever be a testament to the heroes who walk among us, to the sacrifices of men and women that echo in eternity, and to the bond that unites the brothers and sisters of the badge - yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Forever remembered and honored, Fargo loves and misses you, Officer Jason David Moszer. May your spirit rest in eternal peace.