For Lt. Shaun Jones, The Beat Goes On

For Lt. Shaun Jones, The Beat Goes On

By Carina Elgin

“Listen to your body and get it checked out if something doesn’t feel right,” Middleburg Police Lieutenant Shaun Jones urges, with very personal good reason. “And always get a second opinion.”

The 6-foot-4 father of two knows. He started working for the Middleburg Police Department in December, 2020. He loved the job, loved the town, and quickly became a popular member of the community. With his kind and friendly demeanor, he’s a perfect fit for Middleburg’s extraordinary small-town force. But six months later, an unfamiliar chest pain led him to his doctor’s office, and eventually to a diagnosis that rocked his world.

Lt. Shaun Jones is happy to be back on the beat, including a stop at the fox sculpture in front of the Middleburg Community Center by artist Goksin Carey.

Photo by Carina Elgin

“I was diagnosed with Lymphoma in July 2021. I was at work when I got the call,” Jones added, shaking his head. The first two-week treatment, he said, was miserable. His family encouraged him to get a second opinion, and now he tells everyone it’s something they must do when facing medical challenges.

“I went to the Medical College of Virginia, and it turns out the first pathologist had messed up, misdiagnosed me. They had told me I had a different type of Lymphoma than I did. My information was sent to the National Institutes for Health, where they confirmed that MCV was right.” In October, 2021, Jones finally started the correct treatment. “I didn’t want to let the Town of Middleburg down,” Jones said. With the support of Chief A.J. Panebianco, Lt. Shaun was able to work whenever he felt up to it, which included Christmas in Middleburg. Between chemo sessions, for one week each month for three months, he also attended the Professional Executive Leadership School, graduating in March despite the obvious medical challenges.

At one point, Jones was “both chemo and COVID sick,” but whenever he could, he also kept taking college classes towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. He even managed to write and win a grant for the Middleburg Police Department between treatments.

With the hashtag #BigShaunStrong, many local residents donated to a GoFundMe to help the Jones Family through this struggle. The page says in part, “Shaun is a brave law enforcement officer, a kind friend, a generous volunteer, a loving father and husband, and a great man.”

He is also a very grateful man, so appreciative of all who have supported and encouraged him.

In April, Lt. Shaun was on his way to give a presentation at a Middleburg Business Professionals Association “Biz Buzz” at American Legion Post 295. It was actually a “surprise” to celebrate Jones’ “ringing the bell,” signifying the end of cancer treatment.

“Taking this job was the best decision I ever made,” he said. He commutes from “Spotsy” (Spotsylvania County), where his son is still in high school, and his day usually starts with a few loops around town in a Middleburg Police vehicle.

He always checks in and waves to a group of walkers. He then typically visits various businesses, often enjoying a cup of tea from Common Grounds. He also works to get training and equipment to “better serve the citizens.”

And, as part of “Community Policing,” he particularly enjoys helping at events, meeting people, and coming up with outreach that creates “positive interactions and partnerships.” He’s delighted to be back, as is the community that he serves. No second opinion needed there.