FALLEN HEROES

Jason Everett Sturgis was an immensely passionate man who loved his children within the deepest depths of his soul. In 1994, Jason graduated from Barnstable High School making him the fourth generation of Sturgis’s to do so.

Nineteen years ago, Jason started his career as patrolman with the Town of Barnstable Police Department. Shortly thereafter he married the love of his life, Sarah Jane DeCenzo and started his family. During the course of his career he attended Curry College and earned a Bachelor of Art’s degree in Criminal Justice. Jason was intensely dedicated and proud of being a police officer and always strived to be professional and educated in every aspect of his work. Jason returned to academic studies and earned a Master of Criminal Justice from Curry College all while working and raising his family.

In 2017 Jason Sturgis was appointed to the Rank of Sergeant and commanded several shifts at the police department. Jason truly enjoyed his role as leader supervising and mentoring the men and women under his command. Jason worked in many positions at the police department patrolling the streets of Hyannis in the bicycle division, working in detectives, but his most passionate and life changing role was working on the CIU, Community Impact Unit.

Jason advocated for those who could not seek help on their own. He dedicated his time and professionalism to assist the homeless and those who suffer from physical, mental, or behavioral deficiencies. This was the most rewarding position in his career and his ability to change people’s lives for the better was the true measure of Jason as a man and a police officer.

Patrol Officer Edward Landers suffered a fatal heart attack while struggling with a subject at the scene of a domestic violence call.

The man resisted and a struggle ensued as Officer Landers attempted to arrest him. Officer Landers collapsed as he attempted to place the man into handcuffs. He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Officer Landers had served with the Barnstable Police Department for 24 years. He is survived by his wife and two children.

Patrolman Michael Aselton was killed in an automobile accident while chasing a motorcycle.

Patrolman Aselton's cousin, Patrolman Brian Aselton of the East Hartford, Connecticut, Police Department, was shot and killed also in the line of duty on January 23, 1999.

Patrolman Aselton had served with the agency for four years. He was survived by his wife.