Media Statement: Remembering Jamil Kamawal

The following is a statement from Andrew Singelakis, Director, Washington County Department of Land Use & Transportation, regarding the death of retiree Jamil Kamawal.

Jamil Kamawal, a retired survey technician from Washington County Department of Land Use &Transportation (LUT), was killed Wednesday (Feb. 10, 2016).

Most LUT employees learned of Jamil's death this morning. Though he retired more than 10 years ago, he is remembered with affection by many. Several people have recalled the pride Jamil took in becoming an American citizen. He often went back to Afghanistan help rebuild his home village of Kama, and he founded two non-profit organizations – the Afghan Aid Association and the Oregon-based Kama Relief Corp. Both organizations are dedicated to rebuilding lives and communities in Afghanistan. Employees are speaking about how kind Jamil was; former coworkers have said that working with Jamil made them better, kinder people.

Jamil was an outstanding member of both his American and Afghanistan communities, a wonderful family man, and a fantastic member of the LUT community. He worked with us as a survey technician from 1985 to 2007.

His death is a terrible tragedy. Washington County, and LUT in particular, extend our condolences to his family, friends and the Portland-area Muslim community.

Washington County is committed to working with our partner agencies in planning, building and maintaining a great transportation system, ensuring the safety of all roadway users, and operating the County roadway system in a cost-effective and environmentally responsible manner.

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