Remembering The Light

The Unexpected Passing of Eugene A. Jones

By Tom Dernoga

Tom Dernoga is a member of the County Council (D-Dist. 1)

Tom Dernoga

I am deeply saddened to share the news of the unexpected passing of Eugene A. Jones, who served as Constituent Services Specialist for my office. He passed away last Friday at the age of sixty due to reasons unrelated to COVID-19. I first worked with Eugene during his tenure as Fire Chief for the Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department. He retired in 2010 after 24 years of county service, in addition to previously serving as Fire Chief for the District of Columbia Fire/EMS Department. He was also actively serving as 2nd Vice President of the Prince George’s County Fire and Rescue Association and Assistant Chief of Silver Hill Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue Squad.

 When I was hiring for my office’s constituent services position, I approached him because I knew of his extraordinary work ethic, the relationships he had already formed with community members and county employees, and his impressive reputation for getting results. I was pleased when he agreed, and not surprisingly, he was exceedingly professional, responsive, and efficient, and he took great pride in his work. While the majority of his career was spent putting out big fires, he was just as effective at putting out little fires in his latest role. If you have reached out to my office needing assistance with a county issue in the past couple of years, you most likely worked with him. He was a remarkable public servant, and my team and I will miss him so much.

In a year with so much loss, it is devastating to suddenly lose Eugene, too. Hug your loved ones, and please keep his mother, wife, three children, and the rest of his family in your prayers.

Expressions of sympathy may be mailed to my office: 14741 Governor Oden Bowie Drive, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20772. We will arrange for hand delivery to his family.