Video: Thousands Mourn Va. Police Officers Killed in Traffic Stop Shooting

By Jane Harper

Source The Virginian-Pilot

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA — As thousands of mourners headed to a memorial service for slain officers Cameron Girvin and Christopher Reese, a long stretch of thin blue line American flags and police vehicles filled the route.

Outside Rock Church International, a sea of law enforcement officers from several cities and states gathered Saturday afternoon as they waited to enter. Dozens of police motorcycles with flashing lights escorted vehicles carrying the officers’ family members to the church entrance.

Inside, caskets for the officers were placed side by side, with American flags draped over them and portraits of each man displayed behind them. Photos from the officers’ personal and professional lives flashed on a large screen in the background.

“Their legacy is not defined by how they left us, but how they lived, and the countless lives they touched while they were here,” said Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate, who was among the speakers. “To their families, please know Cameron and Chris were loved by this department. Our department is so grateful for the time we had with them and we will carry their memory forever.”

Virginia Beach, VA, Police Officers Cameron Girvin (left) and Christopher Reese.

Girvin, 25, and Reese, 30, were shot the night of Feb. 21 while conducting a traffic stop in the city’s Green Run area.

The officers were attempting to stop a car for having expired tags, and followed it into a townhouse community when the driver failed to pull over, according to police. The driver, who had spent time in federal prison on drug charges, got into a tussle with the officers after stepping out of his car, and shot both before walking off and fatally shooting himself, police said.

Among the speakers at Saturday’s memorial service was Girvin’s wife, Jessica, who is expecting the couple’s first child in August. Wearing a black dress, Jessica Girvin rested her hands on her abdomen and occasionally caressed it as she told mourners about the man who was her high school sweetheart.

She described her husband as passionate, positive and patient, and always the life of the party.

“While today I’m quite frankly angry and really heartbroken, like many of you, I’m also immensely blessed to have been his best friend and wife even though it wasn’t nearly long enough, because being part of Cameron Girvin’s life is absolutely magical in every single way,” she said.

Reese was described by a friend and a colleague as a sometimes “goofball” who loved sports, and spending time with friends, family, his wife, Moriah, and their German Shepherd. Sgt. Mike Koch, who worked with both men at the Fourth Precinct, called Reese a dedicated officer and leader, who was always calm, confident, capable and well prepared.

“They (Girvin and Reese) had a passion for police work, and they made our community safer,” Koch said. “Girvin, Reese, rest easy my brothers. We’ve got it from here.”

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