Holly MatkinLisbon, MD – Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) Lieutenant Daniel “Dan” John Friz died on Nov. 1 after he was hit by a 2018 Freightliner, according to his department.
The off-duty 50-year-old lieutenant was traveling westbound on Interstate 70 near Maryland Route 94 shortly before the fatal crash occurred at approximately 12:13 a.m., the MCPD said in a press release later in the day.
A preliminary investigation revealed Lt. Friz was outside of his vehicle when he was hit by the oncoming 2018 Freightliner, The Washington Post reported.
He died from his injuries at the scene.
It is unknown why Lt. Friz was outside his vehicle, police said.
The tractor-trailer was inspected and was not found to have any defects, according to the MCPD.
The Maryland State Police (MSP) are handling the ongoing investigation into the fatal crash.
“We are heartbroken,” Montgomery County Police Chief Marcus Jones said on Monday, according to The Washington Post.
Lt. Friz served with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and the Gaithersburg City Police Department prior to joining the MCPD in January of 2003, the department said in the press release.
He was serving as the Public Safety Training Academy’s Training and Education Division deputy director at the time of his death.
Prior to his career in law enforcement, Lt. Friz served in the U.S. Navy, Chief Jones told The Washington Post.
He also held two master’s degrees.
“He’s been one of my hardest-working executives, who worked extremely hard for this community,” Chief Jones said. “If it was important to you, he made sure it was important to him.”
“This police department is better for the work Dan put in every day and every night,” the chief continued. “Dan will always be remembered for his desire to take care of people on this department. His character and dedication to people will be an unattainable goal we can only hope to reach.”
Lt. Friz leaves behind his wife, who is also a fellow MCPD officer, as well as his three children, The Washington Post reported.
The BHPD sends our condolences to the family, friends, and fellow police officers from the Montgomery County Police Department on the loss of Lieutenant Daniel Friz. pic.twitter.com/PUpjJjqEmh
— Berwyn Heights Department of Police (@BHPDNews) November 2, 2021
The thoughts of every member of ATF Baltimore are with family, loved ones, & @mcpnews colleagues of Montgomery County Police Lt. Daniel John Friz, who died in a fatal vehicle collision yesterday. His service & dedication to the citizens of Montgomery County will not be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/r8a9Ej5eBc
— ATF Baltimore (@ATFBaltimore) November 2, 2021
The Rockville City Police Department would like to express our thoughts and prayers to the family, friends and @mcpnews for the tragic passing of Lt. Daniel John Friz early this morning. We are thinking of you and extend our deepest sympathies to all. pic.twitter.com/lNZuhXugyy
— Rockville City Police Department (@RockvilleCityPD) November 1, 2021
📰 Please read my statement on the loss of one of @MontgomeryCoMD's finest, @mcpnews Lt. Daniel Friz. pic.twitter.com/YsODwjOG8M
— County Exec Marc Elrich (@MontCoExec) November 1, 2021
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Montgomery County Police Department Lieutenant Daniel “Dan” John Friz, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
