Nov. 20--VALLEJO -- The family of a slain Vallejo police officer said Saturday that the public can pay its respects to him by thanking a police officer.
Officer Jim Capoot was chasing a suspect in a bank robbery when he was shot in the backyard of a home on Janice Street on Thursday. Police arrested 37-year-old Henry Albert Smith of Fairfield on Friday.
Capoot's family was silent until Saturday, when they joined many friends of the 19-year-veteran officer to view a memorial placed at the stairs of the Vallejo Police Department.
A family representative read the following statement:
"The Capoot and DeCarlo families would like to say thank you for the outpouring of love and support during this very difficult time. Words cannot describe how much Jim will be missed.
"Jim Capoot was a United States Marine. He was a police officer. He was a coach. He was a loving and caring person. Above all, Jim Capoot was a beloved father, husband, son, uncle, brother and friend. He loved his family and they loved him. He loved the good people in the community that he protected and served, and the community clearly loved him. The outpouring of love and support from the entire community has been incredible and greatly appreciated.
"Please show your respect by saying 'thank you' to a police officer today."
Rick Hurd covers crime. Contact him at 925-945-4780 and follow him on Twitter at Twitter.com/3rdERH.
Copyright 2011 - Contra Costa Times, Walnut Creek, Calif.
