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VACP Recommends Shrouding of Badges for Virginia Beach Police Officers Killed During Traffic Stop
- By: VACP
- On: 02/22/2025 15:23:04
- In: Virginia News
The Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police recommends that all Virginia law enforcement officers shroud their badges in honor of Virginia Beach Police Officer Cameron Girvin, 25, and Officer Christopher Reese, 30, who were fatally shot during a traffic stop late on Friday and passed away early Saturday, February 22, 2025.
Shrouding is recommended through the day of funeral services, Saturday, March 1.
The VACP expresses our sincerest condolences to Chief Paul Neudigate and the Virginia Beach Police Department and to the family and friends of Officers Girvin and Reese. Our prayers are with them at this most difficult time.
MEMORIAL ARRANGEMENTS:
Public Visitation
Friday, Feb. 28 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Altmeyer Funeral Homes & Crematory
5033 Rouse Dr.
Virginia Beach, VA 23462 (see map)
** Heavy traffic anticipated surrounding the venue. Parking will be limited. Those wishing to attend should plan for delays in traveling to the venue.
Celebration of Life Service
Saturday, March 1 at 2 p.m.
Rock Church
640 Kempsville Rd.
Virginia Beach, VA 23464 (see map)
Additional information on traffic, parking, uniforms, and seating arrangements is forthcoming.
** Heavy traffic anticipated surrounding the venue. Parking will be limited. Those wishing to attend should plan for delays in traveling to the venue.
The Celebration of Life service will be livestreamed on the VBPD Facebook page.?
The processional and recessional routes are still being planned. Please visit this webpage for updates and lodging information.
How You Can Help
The department has set up a webpage where they are posting developments and information on how people can donate money or goods & services: https://police.virginiabeach.gov/public-affairs-office/officers-christopher-reese-and-cameron-girvin
Donations are also accepted through the Virginia Beach Police Foundation.
Additionally, a member of the VBPD has established a FundtheFirst fundraiser for the families of the two fallen officers.
'Our city is heartbroken': Fallen officers Girvin, Reese 'executed' by suspect during traffic stop
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Two Virginia Beach police officers were shot and killed by a suspect while executing a traffic stop on South Rosemont Avenue Friday night, Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate somberly told the community in a press conference Saturday afternoon.
With Mayor Bobby Dyer and Attorney General Jason Miyares at his side, Neudigate recounted the incident that has shaken the Virginia Beach and greater Hampton Roads community to its core.
Officers Christopher Reese and Cameron Girvin pulled over a Blue Hyundai Sonata with expired plates, but the suspect failed to yield. They pursued him to the dead end of Sylvan Court, at which point he exited the car and a “tussle” ensued, Neudigate said.
During the tussle, the suspect, John McCoy III, 42, whom Neudigate vowed to only name once, pulled a pistol from his pocket and shot Reese and Girvin.
“Those officers fell to the ground,” Neudigate said. “While on the ground, defenseless, he shot them each a separate time.”
Both officers were taken to hospitals for life saving measures, but Reese was pronounced dead just after midnight, and Girvin succumbed to his injuries several hours later.
While looking for the suspect, responding officers found McCoy with what police believe was a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
“I'm gonna be quite honest, we're all hurting,” Neudigate said. “We've got an officer that is 25 years old, another one that is 30, with such a future ahead of them… senselessly taken.”
At the start of the event, Mayor Dyer offered a moment of silence for “the heroes who have paid the ultimate price to make Virginia Beach so great.”
“Today, our city is heartbroken,” Dyer added. “No words can ease the pain and loss.”
Neudigate went on to say that they were offering their unwavering support of the families of Reese and Girvin as they navigate this difficult time.
"Last night, evil found them, and that sacrifice is a painful reminder of the dangers our officers face,” he said.
McCoy, according to Neudigate, had a felony conviction from 2009, but due to his demise, said they may never truly know the motive.
Neudigate ended his remarks with a stark comment after reviewing the body and car camera footage.
“After he executed our officers, he calmly walked away.”
This is a breaking story and will be updated.
ADDITIONAL COVERAGE:
In wake of VBPD officers' deaths, ‘no such thing' as routine traffic stop (WAVY 10)
VB officer Cameron Girvin ‘touched the lives of many' (WAVY 10)
Virginia Beach Officer Reese was an ‘unbelievable guy', sheriff recalls (WAVY 10)
Former Virginia Beach police chief Jacocks says losing officers is life-changing (WAVY 10)
‘It's sad they didn't get to go home': Community mourns VBPD officers killed Friday night (WAVY 10)
Two VBPD officers killed in the line of duty Friday night (WAVY 10)
