Senator Diane T. Capehart seeks to pass legislation honoring the fallen law enforcement officers in the territory and provide memorial signage. Bill No. 35-0253, an Act honoring and commending police officers for the service they provided to the community and recognizing fallen law enforcement officers posthumously, is also an opportunity to launch the Virgin Islands Police Department’s Humanize the Badge Campaign to help forge stronger relationships between law enforcement officers and the communities they serve.
The bill is scheduled to be heard on July 23, and Sen. Capehart earnestly requests the community’s crucial assistance to locate the officers’ family and friends in order to notify them of the legislation in committee and to capture testimonies related to their loved ones.
The VIPD officers being honored are Detective Delberth Phipps Jr., Officer Colvin Terrance Georges Sr., Officer Aaron Hodge, Officer Akeem Basil “Teddy” Newton, Officer Ariel Anton Frett, Officer Cuthbert Ezekiel Chapman, Officer Steven Alexis Hodge, Officer Dexter L. Mardenborough, Officer Richard Nicolas Callwood, Patrolman Wilbur Horatio Francis, Patrolman Patrick Emmanuel Sweeney, Patrolman Allan Williams, Patrolman Rudel Albert Parrott, Patrolman Leroy Alvaro Swan, Patrolman Leopold Emanuel Fredericks Jr. and Patrolman Lionel Emanuel Isaac.
“These brave souls deserve recognition for their acts of ultimate sacrifice and heroism,” said Capehart. “I am also asking our community and any family/friends of a fallen officer that may not be listed to contact my office at 712-2335 and senatorcapehart@legvi.org to have those officers’ name(s) added to the bill. You may also share the contact information of the family members, short testimonies you would like to provide on behalf of the fallen officers, and suggestions to place the signage.
“I would like to thank each of you in advance for your cooperation as we seek to honor our fallen VIPD officers. Your assistance is essential in this process. I look forward to your continued support.”
Editor’s note: Senator Diane T. Capehart is a member of the U.S. Virgin Islands 35th Legislature who represents St. Croix.
