MOCO Police Lieutenant Killed In Car Crash 'Always Saw The Best In People,' Chief Says

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD — A Montgomery County Police lieutenant killed in a crash early Monday morning in Howard County was remembered by the department as someone always ready to lend a helping hand.

Daniel John Friz, 50, was off-duty and traveling west on I-70 in the area of Maryland Route 94 early Monday morning. He was out of his vehicle when a 2018 Freightliner hit him. Police say Friz was pronounced dead at the scene. The Freightliner was inspected and there are no defects, and it is an ongoing investigation, police said.

Friz had been a Montgomery County Police officer since 2003. He was most recently the deputy director of the Training and Education Division at the Public Safety Training Academy.

“Dan was always willing to step in and fill in the gaps if he saw any," said Chief Marcus Jones at a news conference Monday afternoon. "Dan was willing to do anything if he thought it would help you out.”

Before joining the Montgomery County Police Department Friz was in the Navy, served in the Gaithersburg City Police Department and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. He earned two master's degrees — one in human sciences and psychology and the other in business administration.

Jones said Friz went above and beyond with everything he did, even if it didn't quite fit his job description.

“It would not be unusual to see Dan sweeping the hallway or taking out the trash," said Jones. "He wanted people to succeed. He always saw the best in people.”

Friz is survived by his wife, also a Montgomery County Police officer, and three children. Jones said that officers went to the Friz household as soon as they got the news of his death, and Marcus promised to continuously support Friz's family.

“When we lose a brother or a sister officer, it is something that our family comes together [for]," said Jones. "We wrap our arms around that family, wrap our arms around each other, because it is a member of our family we lost today.”

Friz was known for playing the bagpipes in the department's band. Marcus said that Friz set out to commit himself to it, and was one of the best bagpipers. Friz played with great pride, said Marcus.

"That’s something that I know — the next time I hear the bagpipes I’m going to be thinking of him," the police chief said.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact MSP.Media@maryland.gov.

This story has been updated.

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