LOWER TOWNSHIP POLICE TO COMMEMORATE THE
30 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF A FALLEN COMRADE

On Sunday, February 18, 2024, the Lower Township Police Department will commemorate the 30^th anniversary of fallen comrade, Officer David C. Douglass, Sr., who was killed in the line of  duty on February 18, 1994, after exchanging gunfire with a suspect who had just burglarized a home and then set it on fire.

Officer Douglass was dispatched to a suspicious person call in the area of North Cape May.  As he pursued a burglary suspect on foot, the suspect turned and shot him.  Officer Douglass was able to return fire, striking the suspect in the hand and was able to make it back to his patrol car to call for assistance, but did not survive the attack. Following an intensive investigation, Lower Township Police, along with several other assisting agencies, arrested the actor in New York City in April 1994.

There will be a Flag Raising Ceremony held in Douglass’ honor, at the Town Bank Fire Department, (224 Town Bank Road, North Cape May, NJ  08204) at 10:00 am on Sunday Morning, followed by light refreshments inside the firehouse. The flags at Township Hall and the Police Department will be flown at half-staff and a memorial wreath will be placed near the flagpole at the Town Bank Fire House in honor of Douglass. There will also be a brief ceremony later that evening at approximately 7:15 p.m. at the gravesite, located at the Cold Spring Presbyterian Church, (780 Seashore Rd, Cape May, NJ 08204).  This ceremony will correspond with the time Officer Douglass responded to his last call.  Dispatch will transmit Officer Douglass’ End of Watch broadcast for LTPD, all fire sirens in the township will be activated in memory of Douglass, who was also a Town Bank Firefighter. The public is welcome to attend these events. 

On February 18, 1994, Lower Township Police Officer David C. Douglass, Sr. gave the ultimate sacrifice for his fellow man.  On that fateful day, Officer Douglass was dispatched to a suspicious person call in the North Cape May section of Lower Township.  Upon arrival, he pursued a burglary suspect on foot and the suspect turned and shot him.  Officer Douglass was able to return fire, striking the suspect in the hand and was able to make it back to his patrol car to call for assistance.  However, he did not survive the attack.  Following an in-depth investigation, Lower Township Police, along with several other assisting agencies, arrested the actor in New York City, in April of 1994. 

"Let us not forget his efforts, let us not forget his name and please let us not forget his family." 

The Lower Township Police Department continues to honor Officer Douglass who laid down his life in the line of duty.  Please take a moment to reflect on the sacrifice and contributions that Officer David C. Douglass, Sr. made for his community, along with many other law enforcement officers, who also were killed in the line of duty to protect and serve the citizens of their communities. May peace be with their families, friends and colleagues.