Picking Up the Pieces: Moving Forward After Officer Moszer’s Death

It’s a period of mourning for Fargo-Moorhead.

After saying goodbye to Officer Jason Moszer, the community and Fargo Police attempt to pick up the pieces.

A tragedy like the death of Officer Moszer affects the entire community.

Nearly two weeks of heightened emotions can be draining.

Experts say, in a way, the funeral is just the start of the grieving process.
 
We’ve never been here before.

“This is the first time we’ve had this type of experience as a community,” explains Denise Hellekson with The Village Family Service Center.

A community rallying behind one man, one family, one department.

Invaluable support for Fargo Police in a time of tragedy.

“I was kind of overwhelmed by it, especially when we did the procession,” says Sgt. Jim Kringlie with the Fargo Police Department. “I knew there would be people out on the procession. I did not realize there would be that many folks out there showing support.”

After a day with a funeral and procession in honor of Moszer, how does a community move forward?

“The day after, now what?” adds Hellekson. “How does life go on without this person?”

Hellekson says that’s when the healing process often starts in earnest.
 
“We have a moment to take a pause,” she explains, “and that’s when that grief really starts to hit us.”
 
There’s no right or wrong way to grieve. There’s no timetable. No secret trick to feel better.

Hellekson says, “I think it affects everybody in some capacity.”
 
For officers, the healing process is a time to move forward, without forgetting the past.
 
“Funeral process is just part of the grieving,” says Sgt. Kringlie, “so they’re gonna try to get back to normal. They will never be exactly the same, because Jason will always be in our minds. However we still have a job to do and a community to protect, and we will continue in that mission.”

It’s a process that’s aided by a public that’s also grieving.

The worst times bringing out the greatest showing of support.
 
“It’s an excellent reminder in a moment of tragedy”, Kringlie adds. “It’s uplifting.”

A department, and a city, united by tragedy, healing together, while never forgetting.

Fargo Police say the support shown towards Officer Moszer’s family has been staggering.

Around $200,000 has already been raised for the family.