The Virgin Islands’ men and women in blue gathered Tuesday outside the Frederiksted Bike Unit Substation on Custom House Street to honor one of their own, V.I. Police Officer Cuthbert Ezekiel Chapman.
Chapman was shot April 17, 2004, during a robbery attempt while moonlighting as a security guard at Wendy’s Restaurant in the Sunny Isle Shopping Center. He was airlifted to Puerto Rico, but nine days later he died from his injuries.
Around 125 of Chapman’s family, fellow officers and friends gathered for a dedication ceremony naming the Cuthbert “Kimba” Ezekiel Chapman Police Substation in his honor.
The speakers, officers and officials at the dedication all spoke very highly of Chapman, who was a bike patrol officer. He was an exemplary officer and received several accolades and awards for his police service. He served the Virgin Islands from 1992 to 2004.
Sgt. Mark Cornerio, who went through police training with Chapman, said Chapman was easy to respect and befriend.
“He had a humble attitude,” Cornerio said. “He was quite serious but always upbeat and cheerful.”
Lt. Edmund Walters, Chapman’s partner, said he was having a tough time coming up with the right words to say about Chapman. They had both been assigned to the bike unit and bonded. He said he finally came up with this to say while riding his motorcycle to the ceremony. 
“He befriended us,” Walters said with a quivering voice. “He could find good in everybody. He was an inspiration.”
Walters said he was angry after Chapman died and that it felt like there was something missing. “It was a funeral fit for a king but it just wasn’t enough,” Walters said.
The police officers and coworkers of Squad IV requested the station be named in Chapman’s honor.
“Here we are 10 years later and this brings joy to me,” Walters said. “I can leave the anger behind. I’m happy they dedicated the station to him, but I’d prefer to have him here.”
Mistress of ceremonies Sgt. Naomi Joseph said, “None of us thought he’d pass. We didn’t imagine it. We didn’t see it coming. God had other plans.”
Assistant Police Commissioner Thomas Hannah said he was pleased that Chapman never called in sick in 12 years on the force. He said he was an example for others to follow.
“It’s important to remember that he gave of himself,” Hannah said. “For this we honor him carefully and specifically.”
Violet Chapman, his mother, also took the podium and shared her feelings.
She said she was the one who encouraged him to become a police officer. She said he had been working at Hovensa and was always getting laid off, but that in the VIPD he could have a secure job. She recalled the last time she saw him alive and said she prayed with him before he was flown to Puerto Rico aboard life-flight. Before the ceremony she said it was a blessing the police are honoring her son.
Officer Patrica Stevens, a fellow officer from the training class of 92-1, read Bill 29-0215, which was sponsored by Sen. Terrance “Positive” Nelson and passed by the 29th Legislature posthumously honoring Chapman.
Chapman was 46 years old when he died.
