'Heart Of The Family': Safety Service Patroller From Vienna Remembered

VIENNA, VA — A Safety Service Patrol member killed while assisting a driver on Interstate 95 is being remembered as a loving father and husband who made his home in Vienna.

Michael "Chad" Freeland, 48, was identified as the victim of the fatal crash on Saturday, Sept. 6. According to his obituary, Freeland was born in Fairfax and was a Fauquier High School graduate. Freeland and his partner, Stephanie, built a home in Vienna where they raised their three children, Liam, 3, and Isabela and Ariana, 16.

"Chad was the heart of the family-a devoted father, a loving partner, and the embodiment of kindness," his obituary reads. "He greeted everyone with a warm smile and had a laugh that could light up any room. To those around him, Chad was a source of comfort and joy, always ready to lift spirits, even those of strangers. He was the kind of man who would quite literally give you the shirt off his back if it meant brightening your day."

The obituary stated that Freeland was proud to work with the Virginia Department of Transportation's Safety Service Patrol. Safety Service Patrol members like Freeland help with emergencies on Virginia's interstates.

The crash happened around 7:58 p.m. on Sept. 6. The patroller, contracted by VDOT, was helping a disabled Audi on the right shoulder and lane of northbound I-95 at mile marker 151 in the area of Dumfries. Virginia State Police say a Chrysler 300 moving in an out-of-control manner crossed all lanes and hit the patrol member and the Audi driver.

The patroller was taken to a hospital, where he later died of his injuries. The Audi driver suffered injuries that were serious but not life-threatening, according to police. Charges are pending consultation with the Prince William County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.

A celebration of life for Freeland will be held Saturday, Sept. 13, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Demaine Funeral Home, 10565 Main Street, Fairfax, VA. The burial will happen on a later date.