Fallen VB officers honored in memorial ceremony
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — The city of Virginia Beach held its annual Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony, honoring officers who have died in the line of duty — including two recently fallen officers whose loss is still being felt deeply across the community.
Complete Coverage: Fallen VBPD Officers Reese and Girvin
. Their names were recognized during the ceremony, as families laid roses on the memorial wreath to commemorate their service and sacrifice.
'I brought Cameron with me today,' said Barbara Girvin, the mother of Cameron Girvin. 'He's in my bracelet. And I brought him with me so he could be part of this.'
Barbara Girvin also reflected on a recent gathering with her son's former colleagues.
'We got together yesterday with his fellow officers for breakfast,' she said. 'We had a seat at the end of the table that was empty. And we knew Cameron was there in spirit.'
Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate spoke about the ongoing impact the officers' deaths have had on the department and the broader community.
'To see the heartbreak on the faces of the mothers and the fathers, knowing that they entrusted their sons to this police department and to this city — and unfortunately, we didn't live up to it,' Neudigate said. 'Time does make it a little bit better. But when you see them, it's all fresh and raw again.'
According to Neudigate, the department is working to address these challenges by expanding support services.
'Twenty-five years ago, we would never admit that we were having trouble,' he said. 'That just wasn't part of our profession.'
Virginia Beach Police have since hired a full-time clinician and are adding new mental health resources for officers.
'It's not only needed — it's expected,' Neudigate said. 'And if we don't address it now, we'll be addressing it later.'
The ceremony was held at the Virginia Beach Law Enforcement Memorial at the Oceanfront on 35th Street. Community members, city leaders and families of other fallen officers were also in attendance.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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