Service Honors Cape Charles’ Only Fallen Police Officer

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. [Read more…]

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Sunday Fire House Service for VFD’s Douglas Walker, 45

Douglas DeLeon Walker, better known as Doug, 45, husband of Margaret “Ann” Walker and a resident of Cape Charles, passed away Tuesday, October 9, at his residence.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, October 14, at 2 p.m. at Cape Charles Fire House, 501 Mason Ave., Cape Charles with the Rev. Russell Goodrich officiating.

A native of Chesapeake, he was the son of Donnie V. Hensley of Virginia Beach and Cosmo Walker and his wife, Denise, of Chesapeake.

In addition to his wife and parents, he is survived by a son, Thomas Lee Stevens and his wife, Ellen, of Cape Charles; a daughter, Candie Leigh Walker of Cape Charles; four brothers, Cosmo L. Walker, Jr. of Moyock, NC, Bobby Walker of Chesapeake, Johnny Walker of Mechanicsville, VA, Cosmo D. Walker of Virginia Beach; three grandchildren, Ryan, Zachary, and Sophia Stevens. [Read more…]

THURSDAY 10/11: Town Council to Discuss Bank/Library, Sale of Old School, Trail Project

Cape Charles Town Council will hold its regular monthly meeting 6 p.m. Thursday, October 11, at St. Charles Parish Hall. The meeting is open to the public, and comments can be addressed to the Council.

New business includes:

— October 5 purchase of the former Bank of America building for the library;

— Need for additional funds for the Town Trail Project; and

— Old school developer Echelon Resources and status of litigation. [Read more…]