Holly MatkinGreenwood, AR – Greenwood Police Department (GPD) Officer Joshua “Josh” Mourton died on April 7, following a five-year battle against cancer.
The 38-year-old officer devoted his entire adult life to his law enforcement career.
He began working as a dispatcher and detention officer for the Scott County Sheriff’s Department (SCSD) at the age of 18, according to his obituary.
Officer Mourton began serving as a SCSD deputy in 2004, and later joined the GPD as a patrolman in 2012.
He was most recently assigned as an investigator and school resource officer for Greenwood Schools – a position he had held since 2016, according to his obituary.
“That position fit him so well because he loved being interactive and felt like he was making an impact,” GPD Lieutenant Joey Deer told KHBS. “He attended all kinds of school functions and talked to the kids daily, just to make them comfortable with law enforcement.”
Lt. Deer said Officer Mourton “truly loved” the community he served.
“With everything that we’ve been through over the past five years, you can tell that this community loves law enforcement, they love us,” the Lieutenant told KHBS. “They take care of us, and their outpouring of support for us has been second to none.”
Officer Mourton’s sister, Mandy Foster, said her brother was one of the most generous people she’s ever known, KFSM reported.
“He would give you the shirt off his back. He’d give you his last dollar if that was it. He didn’t care,” Foster told the news outlet. “He was just the most amazing brother, person, cop, [and] dad.”
She said people she doesn’t know have been reaching out to tell her about the impact her brother had on their lives.
“[They’re] telling me, ‘Hey, your brother was the best person I ever knew,’ and honestly, that’s what has kept me going,” Foster told KFSM. “The messages, the calls, the complete strangers saying you have no idea what your brother did for me.”
Officer Mourton leaves behind his wife of nearly 16 years, Ashley, and their sons, Griffin and Coltyn, according to his obituary.
He is also survived by his parents, sister, grandmother, in-laws, nieces, nephews, many extended family members, and “countless friends,” the tribute read.
Officer Mourton was laid to rest on April 12.
We are saddened with the loss. We are better because of him. Thank you, Officer Josh Mourton. pic.twitter.com/vkYtQ9nx0X
— TheGreenwoodResident (@GWResident) April 7, 2021
We are saddened by the news of the passing of Officer Josh Mourton. Josh served our community as a police officer & served our district as Resource Officer.He loved our Bulldog family & kept our kids & staff safe every day.Our condolences & prayers go out to the Mourton family. pic.twitter.com/0QczyFc7Km
— Greenwood Schools (@GSD_Excellence) April 7, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Greenwood Police Department Officer Joshua “Josh” Mourton, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
