Service Honors Cape Charles’ Only Fallen Police Officer
At Wednesday’s dedication to 1918 Cape Charles fallen police officer, Virginia Marine Resources Commission and Norfolk Police Department present colors. (Wave photo)
By GEORGE SOUTHERN
Cape Charles Wave
October 11, 2012
Almost a century ago a Cape Charles police officer was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a double shooting suspect. Yesterday, Sgt. James A. Taylor was honored with a ceremony in Central Park and a memorial stone.
“Sgt. Taylor paid the ultimate price by giving his life in the line of duty 95 years ago,” Cape Charles Police Chief Charles “Sambo” Brown told townspeople and area law enforcement officers assembled in the park. “We have left room on the monument for other names,” Brown said, “but I pray that we will add no more names.”
A group of Sgt. Taylor’s descendants came to Cape Charles to attend the ceremony.
The Virginia Marine Resources Commission and the Norfolk Police Department provided a color guard, and Pastor Russell Goodrich of First Baptist Church offered a prayer and scripture reading.
Northampton Sheriff’s Deputy Terry Thomas sang “You Raise Me Up.”
Cape Charles Mayor Dora Sullivan read a letter from Gov. Robert McDonnell honoring Taylor’s service and sacrifice. McDonnell also expressed appreciation for Cape Charles Police Officer Jim Pruitt and his colleagues for organizing the dedication service. (Read letter here.)
Vice Mayor Chris Bannon read two poems, “The Final Inspection,” and A Hero Is.”
Members of Montgomery County Police Pipes and Drums played “Amazing Grace.”
Perhaps the most poignant moment was the “Final Radio Call,” with Chief Brown holding his walkie-talkie to the microphone as the Town Police dispatcher repeatedly called for Sgt. James Taylor to respond.
There was no answer.
Highlights of the ceremony can be seen in the four short videos below.
Hats off to Officer Jim Pruitt for giving this fallen police officer the recognition that he and his family deserved. All fallen police officers should be recognized and I think Officer Pruitt did a fine job in bringing this mistake to light and for arranging the wonderful memorial service.
Officer Pruitt did a fabulous job on the fallen officers memorial. Officer Pruitt is an asset to the Cape Charles Police Department. Pruitt has a great feel for the town people. The police do not have a sgt. now and I couldn’t think of anyone better for that than Officer Pruitt.
I just want to say thank you again to all who came and attended the memorial service. You took time out of your day to honor a true hero that gave his life to keep our town safe.
Thanks to all who made possible the Dedication Ceremony to Officer James A. Taylor. It was a meaningful ceremony and was very much appreciated by the family.