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Incident
Patrolman Curtis Mason was killed in an automobile crash while attempting to stop a traffic violator on Boulevard (current day Route 301) in Colonial Heights. Around 3:10 p.m., Patrolman Mason was attempting to pass a bus and a taxi cab when the taxi turned in front of him, causing him to take evasive action. His patrol car crossed the roadway and struck an oil truck. Patrolman Mason had served with the Colonial Heights Police Department for 17 years. He was the fifth officer hired onto the department.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, two sons, mother, and two brothers.
In Our Keeping
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- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Mason gave the Colonial Heights Police Department 17 years.
Thank you for your service to the Colonial Heights community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Mason.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Curtis is the only officer of Colonial Heights Police Department remembered here.
Curtis is one of 203 officers lost to accidents in VA, 31.1% of the 653 remembered there.
Curtis is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Curtis is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1948, 2 officers in VA were lost to accidents, the 32nd heaviest of 99 years on record. The heaviest was 1870, with 10.
In 1948, 74 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 36th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1948, 81 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 54th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Curtis was 40. Of the 192 lost to accidents in VA whose age is recorded, half were between 28 and 45; the middle age was 36. Curtis had served 17 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Curtis was 40. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Curtis had served 17 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Curtis was 40. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Curtis had served 17 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 12.8% of these deaths in VA, more than any other month. Fridays: 16.7%.
December holds 8.9% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.5%. Fridays: 15.1%.
December holds 8.9% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Fridays: 15%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Colonial Heights Police Department. The weapon recorded was not available, in 100% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 31.1% of all 653 deaths in VA, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was not available, in 1.5% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was not available, in 1.6% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was not available, in 1.3% of these deaths.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 58-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Colonial Heights Police Department are honored on badge.nw.