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Photos in the Chesterfield Observer |
Mark A. Haygood,
state police first sergeant, dies
Officer was known
for his dedication, service to others
Monday, May 05, 2008 - 12:08 AM Updated:
09:25 AM
By ELLEN ROBERTSON
TIMES-DISPATCH STAFF WRITER |
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Thank You note from
the Haygood Family
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First
Sergeant. Mark Alan Haygood's job with the Virginia State Police was
"teaching us to take care of each other," said state police Sergeant
Hans Rehme.
As first sergeant of the police's Tactical
Operations Unit, "Mark always took such good care of us. Mark's whole
life was service to others."
A funeral for Sergeant Haygood, who died Thursday
in a Henrico County hospital, will be held Monday at 2 p.m. The service
will be at Bon Air Baptist Church, 2531 Buford Road. Burial with full
state police honors will be held in Westhampton Memorial Park in
Henrico.
The 44-year-old Asheville, N.C., earned bachelor's
and master's degrees from Eastern Kentucky University.
F/Sgt. Haygood, who joined the state police in
1989, graduated from the State Police Training Academy in 1989. He was
transferred to the academy in 2004 to supervise the Tactical Operations
Unit. He supervised the:
Firearms Section, overseeing development and
training of new troopers, especially in their firearm proficiency.
Officer Survival Section, helping troopers who
left for work live to come home at night.
Canine Unit, including the training,
certification and recertification of officers with their police dogs.
Police Safety Compliance, making sure the police
observe state and federal health regulations regarding hazardous
substances.
F/Sgt. Haygood also was the department armorer,
supervising the mechanics, cleaning and repairing of weapons and
developing certain weapons for certain missions, Rehme said.
"He wore so many hats as super trooper. But the
first question he would ask you when he saw you was 'How is your
family?' and 'How is your wife?' every time," Rehme said.
"He has three young boys, ages 7, 4 and 2. You
never had a conversation with Mark that he didn't ask how your children
were and if you were being a good dad."
Survivors include his wife, Terri K. Haygood; a
daughter, Rebecca C. Haygood of Davidson, Pa.; three sons, Riley M.
Haygood, Peyton A. Haygood and Jacob L. Haygood, all of Midlothian; his
parents, Charles H. and Catherine I . Haygood of Midlothian; and a
sister, Cindy L. Home of Lexington, Ky.
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