Comments on: Cape Charles Police Chief and Town Planner Retiring in 2013

By: Bruce Lindeman

Bruce Lindeman — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 13:21:18 +0000

A term you don’t hear much these days is “civil servant”. My dad worked for the state pretty much his entire career and was proud that he was just what that term implied: someone who served the people for the better good.

I think of both Tom and Sambo in that light. Gentleman who gave back to our community for the better good. My Sambo story…

About 5 years ago I had parked Fred, my pick-up, down on Bay Avenue on Memorial Day weekend. I think it was a Saturday. I had the usual too-much-to-carry beach stuff loading Fred down. I saw a spot and parked. There weren’t any others close by.

After a fun day with friends and family down on the beach, I went back to Fred with a load of beach stuff only to find a ticket on my windshield. I had unknowingly parked in front of a handicapped sidewalk access.

The next morning I found myself in front of the house talking to Sambo and another officer, when I mentioned my parking ticket. Sambo asked, “That was you? Why’d you park there?” I told him that there was no other parking available, I honestly didn’t realize I was parking illegally and that it was totally my fault. He said, “Well, tear it up and don’t park there next time.” And, he did so with a smile as he drove away. My kind of guy.

Happy retirement, gents!

By: David Gay

David Gay — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 15:49:29 +0000

Jim – I agree. Tom and Sambo have been strong supporters of the community and major players in the transformation of Cape Charles. Both of these men have shown that they care about our town and have invested their personal time and energy beyond what is normally required in their jobs to make a positive difference. I wish them well in their retirement and look forward to their continued support of Cape Charles as private citizens.

By: Jim Blanchard

Jim Blanchard — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 14:31:57 +0000

Both of these men will leave big shoes to fill. The police presence is Cape Charles is visible every time I roll into town (under the posted speed limit of course). As a part-time resident it’s comforting knowing that the streets are being patrolled the way they are. Our town is safer because of the strong police presence.

As our Town Planner, Tom has played a key role in supporting projects that have been transformative for Cape Charles including the park renovations, beach replenishment, and water treatment plant upgrades, among many others.

As my neighbor, Tom has saved me more times than I can count by lending me tools, help and wisdom on numerous projects we’ve taken on at our home on Monroe. Tom has saved me a trip across the bridge on a Saturday afternoon countless times.

Both of these men should be applauded for the work they’ve done to make Cape Charles a better place.