When we lose someone it's never the the right time, but Christmas is just not the right time.
I did not know him. His watch ended 3 years before I was born. I am sorry to say that I lived 55 years more before I learned of his tragic fate. His story follows.
Shortly after 3p.m. on Christmas Eve, 1948, patrolman Curtis Rucker Mason, while in pursuit of a speeder, collided with a tractor trailer after a taxi turned into his path. In less than a half hour, Officer Mason was pronounced dead.
I can only imagine how shocked and saddened this little town was as the news started to get out. After all it was Christmas.
Officer Mason was survived by his wife and two sons. In addition, his Mother and two brothers also survived him.
Officer Mason was 40 years old, had been with the police department for 5 years.
In the line of duty his sacrifice as a peace officer was made and the heart of a city hung its head in sadness.
There is no doubt that God granted him rest. There is no doubt that here among the living his heroism will be remembered.
You are not forgotten, 58 years on.
Officer Name: Curtis Rucker Mason
Officer City: Colonial Heights Police Department, Colonial Heights, VA
End of Watch: 24 December 1948
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