Community Corner

Fundraising Walk, Dinner to be Held for Jim Capoot's Family Saturday

The fundraiser for the family of Jim Capoot, the Vallejo Police Office was killed in the line of duty, involved a 29-mile walk between Vacaville and Vallejo

By Bay City News Service

Vacaville police are inviting Bay Area residents to celebrate the life of slain Vallejo police officer Jim Capoot by walking 29 miles between Vallejo and Vacaville Saturday.

"We want people to walk with us to show that it is not acceptable -- ever -- to have an officer killed in the line of duty in Solano County," said Vacaville police Officer Julie Bailey, one of the event's coordinators.

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"We are a community who works and lives together and we will not tolerate this violence. We will celebrate the good and stand up against the bad," Bailey said.

Capoot, 45, of Vacaville, a 19-year veteran of the Vallejo Police Department, was fatally shot as he chased a bank robbery suspect on Janice Street in Vallejo on Nov. 17.

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The suspect, Henry Albert Smith Jr., 38, of Fairfield, will appear in Solano County Superior Court Tuesday to have a preliminary hearing date set.

He is charged with murdering an on-duty police officer after committing a robbery and lying in wait.

The "Jim Capoot Charge On Walk" will start at 8 a.m. Saturday at the Home Depot at 1175 Admiral Callaghan Lane in Vallejo. Registration is at 7 a.m.

Participants also may register online at www.VacavillePOA.com.

The cost of the walk is $30 for one person and $25 for multiple entries. The entry fee includes a dinner catered by Pietro's, a Vacaville Italian restaurant, at 5 p.m. at The Mission, 6391 Leisure Town Road in Vacaville.  Proceeds go to the Capoot Family Trust.

Tickets also are available for those who want to attend the dinner.

Local bands Rust Bucket and Kafe Riko will provide entertainment and there will be a silent auction and raffle prizes throughout the evening.

"This amazing event will reflect on how Jim lived, not how he died," Bailey said.

"Folks can jump in or out (of the walk) at any point, based on their abilities or other time commitments. We just want people to show up. We are walking rain or shine," said Vacaville police Lt. Ian Schmutzler.

Participants may walk, run, form a relay team, or bike the route. A detailed map with pre-determined stopping points is available and light refreshments will be served along the way.

Some of Capoot's family members are expected to join the walk.

"We are thrilled to be part of something to show this family they are loved and supported, and that what their father did will never be forgotten," Bailey said.


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