Jason Marc Crisp, a 38-year-old Caucasian male, was a dedicated officer with the United States Forest Service. On March 12, 2014, he tragically lost his life in the line of duty while participating in a manhunt in Burke County, North Carolina. Officer Crisp and his K-9 partner, Maros, were fatally wounded during an exchange of gunfire with a suspect who had committed two murders.
The suspect, Troy David Whisnant, had previously served time for manslaughter and was out on bond.
The manhunt began after the bodies of Whisnant's parents were discovered in their home. Officers from several agencies, including Officer Crisp, located Whisnant in the area of Fish Hatchery Road and Pea Ridge Road. During the confrontation, Officer Crisp and Maros were shot, and the suspect stole Officer Crisp's service weapon and extra magazines before fleeing into the woods. Whisnant was later located by other officers and shot and killed when he opened fire on them.
Officer Crisp had served with the United States Forest Service for 16 years and was a former Sheriff's Deputy with the McDowell County Sheriff's Department. He was survived by his wife, Amanda Dicks Crisp, and their two sons, Garett and Logan Crisp. In November 2015, the Grandfather Ranger Station was renamed the Officer Jason Crisp Forest Service Building in his honor.
The tragic loss of Officer Jason Marc Crisp and his K-9 partner Maros deeply affected the community and law enforcement agencies involved. Their dedication and sacrifice are remembered and honored by many who knew them.
