By Bay City News
The portion of state Highway 37 between Interstate Highway 80 and state Highway 29 is now officially named after a slain Vallejo police officer.
The signs designate that section of road as Vallejo Police Officer James Capoot Memorial Highway.
California state Sen. Lois Wolk, D-Martinez, introduced a bill to name that portion of the highway in Capoot's honor.
Vallejo police, residents and service organizations and businesses raised $6,000 for the sign.
"While these signs will not bring back an American hero, they still stand to remind all that pass them that a great man gave his life without hesitation to Vallejo and his courage and sacrifice will not be forgotten," Vallejo police Capt. James O'Connell said.
Capoot, 45, was pursuing a suspected bank robber in a vehicle on Springs Road in his patrol car on Nov. 17, 2011.
Capoot stopped the suspect's car with a pit maneuver and chased the fleeing suspect on foot on Janice Street. He was shot by the suspect, Henry Albert Smith, of Fairfield. He died at Kaiser Vallejo Permanente Medical Center.
Smith, now 40, is charged with murder and special circumstances, including lying in wait, that make him eligible for the death penalty if convicted. His trial is scheduled for Aug. 19.
The section of the highway dedicated to Capoot fronts the Country Club Crest neighborhood where Capoot was killed.
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