VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — In a press conference discussing the findings of their initial investigation into the deaths of Officers Cameron Girvin and Christopher Reese, Chief Paul Neudigate spent time Saturday afternoon talking about the two men who "paid the ultimate price" to keep the community safe.
The room was quiet and somber and Neudigate stoically shared the news of this tragedy with the community.
Girvin, 25, and Reese, 30, were shot and killed by a man who had been pulled over for expired license plates. After what was described as a "tussle," the assailant pulled a pistol from his pocket, shot the officers, and shot them again before "he calmly walked away," Neudigate said.
Watch: Full press conference on deaths of VBPD officers
"Two heroes went to work last night and didn't make it home," Neudigate said.
Reese died at Sentara Princess Anne Hospital just after midnight Saturday surrounded by family and friends. Girvin died from his wounds at Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital around 4:30 a.m. Saturday.
"We've got an officer that is 25 years old, another one that is 30, with such a future ahead of them, senselessly taken," Neudigate said.
Watch: Virginia Beach community mourns loss of two police officers
Neudigate said Girvin and Reese had "stellar" reputations and their work ethic was "beyond reproach."
Girvin had been with the department since 2020, and Reese had been with the department since 2022. Prior to that, Reese was with the Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office from 2019 to 2022.
Watch: VB church prays for fallen officers
"The outpouring of support is giving us some comfort," Neudigate said. "At this time, we have had support coming in from all across the country... I've heard from individuals in Israel, in England, that far away with condolences and offers of support."
In a post on social media Sunday, VBPD shared more about Officers Girvin and Reese.
Officer Cameron Girvin graduated from VBPD’s 68th Police Academy and was sworn in as a certified officer on June 19, 2020. He was 25 years old.
Officer Christopher Reese was a member of the 72nd Police Academy and was sworn in as a certified officer on July 29, 2022. He was 30 years old.
These officers were not just members of this department; they were family, friends, and heroes. Their sacrifice is a painful reminder of the daily dangers our officers face and their unwavering commitment to serve with honor and integrity.
To the families of our fallen heroes: We stand with you, grieve with you, and will never forget the service and sacrifice of your loved ones. To the men and women of this department: Lean on one another, support one another, and honor our fallen by continuing the mission they so bravely upheld.
We ask the community to keep these officers, their families, friends, and fellow officers in your thoughts and prayers.
Watch: Police convoy following VBPD officer deaths
It's been more than 16 years since a Virginia Beach police officer was killed in the line of duty. Detective Michael Phillips was shot and killed on Aug. 7, 2008 while undercover.
Most members of the department "has not experienced a loss of this magnitude," Neudigate said.
The man who police say killed officers Girvin and Reese, John McCoy III, was found in a shed with what is believed to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
WTKR News 3 is working to learn more about Girvin and Reese from the people who knew them.
Donate to the Virginia Beach Police Foundation in honor of the officers here.
