On the afternoon of November 17, 2011, Vallejo PD Officer Jim Capoot was responding to a bank robbery at the Bank of America on Springs Road, when he spotted a vehicle matching the description of the suspect vehicle. A pursuit ensued and concluded in the 100 block of Janice Street where Officer Capoot executed a pit maneuver on the suspect vehicle.  The suspect abandoned his vehicle and fled on foot. Capoot chased the suspect on foot into a residential neighborhood, where the suspect shot him. Officer Capoot was transported to Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, where he died. The suspect was captured by the Vallejo Police Department and is awaiting trial. 

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Jim Capoot began his law enforcement career with the California Highway Patrol in 1990. In 1992 he left the CHP to become a Police Officer for the City of Vallejo.  Over the course of his career, Jim served as a motorcycle officer, motorcycle instructor, driving instructor, force options instructor, and SWAT officer.  He received the Officer of the Year award in 2000. He has also received two Vallejo Police Department Medals of Courage, a Life-Saving Medal and various other Department medals and commendations.  Before beginning his career in law enforcement, Capoot served our country in the United States Marine Corps. Jim was a basketball coach for Vallejo High School and was a role model, father figure and mentor to many in the neighborhood where he ultimately lost his life. Jim is survived by his wife Jennifer, daughters Jamie, Jillian, and Justine. 

The Vallejo Police Department is pleased to announce that Highway 37, from Highway 80 to Highway 29, fronting the Country Club Crest neighborhood where he died, has been officially renamed  the Vallejo Police Officer James Capoot Memorial Highway.  At the request of the Vallejo Police Department, Senator Lois Wolk introduced the bill to the California State Senate, where it was approved.   Members of the Vallejo Police Department, Vallejo residents, Vallejo service organizations and businesses provided the funding for the signs.

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.