Norfolk, Va. - For the Fairmount Park community, Brian Jones wasn't just their community resource officer.
"When he came through the neighborhood, it was like just another family member coming through," said Kevin Wagner, neighborhood watch coordinator.
The 35-year-old had a way about him that could put anyone at ease.
"Every time you talk to him it's like you're talking to your best friend, even if you just met him. Very compassionate and caring for everybody," said Wagner.
Wagner worked closely with Jones over the past year after he became their community resource officer.
He says being a cop was something Jones was passionate about and it showed.
"We felt a sense of security with him around."
In 2010, Jones was named Norfolk's Top Cop during an annual Crime Line banquet.
Before he joined the Norfolk police department, he also received numerous medals while working in the Navy.
According to a spokesperson, Jones was a Yeoman Second Class and served in the Navy from 1999 - 2007.
Part of his time was spent in Norfolk with Carrier Strike Group Two.
After getting out of the Navy in 2007, he eventually made his way back to Norfolk where he joined the police department five years ago.
It was a job that touched a lot of lives, according to those who knew him, and his death Friday is hard for them to deal with.
"Everybody's hurting," said Wagner.
The Fairmount Park Civic League is raising money for the officer's family. Donations can be sent to:
Fairmount Park Civic League
PO Box 7034
Norfolk, VA 23509
Donations will be collected until 6/30 at which point the civic league will issue a check to the family of Officer Jones. (For questions about the collection or cash donations please contact Kevin Wagner - Fairmount Park Civic League Neighborhood Watch Coordinator, 757-775-7500 or Sandi Azud - Fairmount Park Civic League Secretary, 757-339-9020)
