People recall Capoot on social media a year after officer’s death

Vallejo Police Officer James Capoot

FAIRFIELD — Friends of a police officer shot and killed in the line of duty turned to social media Saturday to mark the one-year anniversary of his death.

Vallejo police officer and Vacaville resident James Capoot was shot and killed Nov. 17, 2011, while pursuing a bank robbery suspect.

Henry A. Smith Jr. of Fairfield allegedly robbed a Bank of America in Vallejo during the noon hour that day. Capoot, a 19-year veteran, spotted a truck matching the description of the robber’s getaway vehicle. He was shot and killed during a foot pursuit after a brief high-speed chase.

Smith was apprehended by other Vallejo police officers moments after the shooting. His next scheduled court date is Nov. 27.

A memorial service took place Saturday at Vallejo City Hall. Remembrances were also found on various social media platforms, where it was clear that Capoot touched many lives, not only through his service as a Marine and a police officer, but as a girls basketball coach in Vallejo.

One young woman wrote of troubles she’s experienced at college, and how she’s taken inspiration from encouragement she received from Capoot. Others offered encouragement to Capoot’s family. Many wrote of the swift passage of time since Capoot’s death.

Eli Nicole Mattioda posted a four-part photo on Instagram. Two frames show two sides of a wristband that reads “Charge On — 497,” a reference to Capoot’s badge number. One frame shows a picture of Capoot. The fourth frame shows a motorcycle front wheel fender with “Ofc. Jim Capoot #497″ painted on it.

Capoot was a motorcycle officer.

Brittany O’Connell posted on Twitter: “If you haven’t thanked a police officer lately for protecting you, today is a great day to do so. RIP Jim Capoot.”

Tom LaPine posted on Facebook: “I am proud to say that I served with Jim Capoot during my service in the Marine Corps.”

Brittany Gomez posted on Twitter: “God, can’t believe it’s been a year … today will never be a normal day. Miss and love you Coach Capoot.” She later posted a photo and this: “We love you, Coach Capoot! Thanks for everything!”

Sierra Fernandez posted on Twitter: “I can’t believe one year ago today Jim Capoot … passed away. He was a real hero never to be forgotten. Always thinkin’ ’bout him.”

Jonathan Guzman posted on Facebook: “My prayers go out to you and your family. God bless all the loving officers out there doing their duty and for my friend Justine Capoot, stay strong. Your dad will never be forgotten.”

Susie Fink DeCarlo posted on Facebook: “Remembering Jim today — an amazing husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend, Gone but never forgotten.”

M. Robinson Brooker posted on Facebook: “One year ago today, Vallejo police lost a very dear man. Lives have never been the same since. May God give grace and strength to all who need it. God, please continue to bless Jim Capoot’s family. We love you all and miss him so very much.”

Reach Glen Faison at 427-6925 or gfaison@dailyrepublic.net. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GlenFaison.

Glen Faison

Glen Faison joined the Daily Republic as managing editor in September 2009. He has worked as a reporter and editor for daily and weekly newspapers in the San Joaquin Valley for 20-plus years. His experience includes time as editor of the Golden Eagle, a military paper serving the Lemoore Naval Air Station. He graduated from Fresno State University with a bachelor's degree in journalism and bleeds Bulldogs red. He is an avid Washington Redskins fan, and attended the 1988 NFC Championship Game against the Minnesota Vikings at RFK Stadium. He married his wife, Jill, in 2005, and has three children: Courtni, Tyler and Hayli.

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