A murder sergeant with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Division was killed in an off-duty site visitors collision in Santa Clarita, sheriff’s officers mentioned Friday afternoon.
Jason Viger, 43, was driving within the space of McBean Parkway and Valencia Boulevard about 11 p.m. Thursday when the crash occurred, the division mentioned. Officers didn’t supply any particulars as to what triggered the wreck.
“Sgt. Jason Viger was passionate and cherished being a deputy sheriff and his premature passing has profoundly impacted our division,” Sheriff Robert Luna mentioned in a press release. “He might be enormously missed inside the LASD household, and his unwavering dedication to defending and serving our group will go away an enduring legacy.”
The Los Angeles Sheriffs’ Skilled Assn. issued a brief assertion Friday afternoon.
“On behalf of your entire LASPA household, we’re heartbroken to be taught of the premature passing of our member,” mentioned Adam Marangell, the affiliation’s basic counsel. “Our deepest condolences are prolonged to his household at this tough time.”
County information present Viger joined the Sheriff’s Division in 2008, following within the footsteps of his brother, who had performed the identical two years earlier.
After working on the North County Correctional Facility early in his profession, Viger moved on to work at Palmdale Station, Lancaster Station, within the Narcotics Bureau and ultimately within the Murder Bureau. Officers mentioned he “took immense delight” in being the primary sergeant on the Sheriff’s Overdose Response Job Pressure.
In 2016, the Antelope Valley Instances reported that Viger — then assigned to Palmdale Station — was honored for saving an assault sufferer the yr earlier than.
Since then, he has often appeared within the information serving to reply to wildfires, investigating fentanyl deaths and figuring out lacking hikers.
At Palmdale Station, Viger was well-liked and identified for being personable, in keeping with one former colleague.
“Everyone will get known as by their final identify, however he at all times known as me by my first identify,” mentioned Deputy Andrew Cronin.
However he was additionally revered for being educated and hard-working. When Viger turned a murder investigator, Cronin mentioned, it appeared like a pure match.
“Being a murder detective is a tough job — it’s a really demanding job on you and on your loved ones, and also you’ve bought to know your corporation,” Cronin mentioned. “Jason was a type of guys who might deal with the job. Some folks belong in sure positions within the division, and, in my thoughts, Jason belonged in murder. He was simply that sort of man.”
Outdoors of labor, officers mentioned Viger loved golf and watching his kids play sports activities. He’s survived by his dad and mom and family members, together with 4 kids and three siblings.
