Capt. Mastriana.

Mayor Beck.

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VILLAS — Lower Township Police Department marked the 18th anniversary of the line of duty death of Officer David C. Douglass with a solemn ceremony Sat., Feb. 18 at Town Bank Fire Hall.

Douglass was shot and killed on February 18, 1994 after responding to a suspicious person call in North Cape May.
Douglass was pursuing a burglary suspect on foot when the suspect turned and shot him. He returned 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 arrested the actor in New York City in April of that year.

A memorial wreath was placed near the flagpole at the Town Bank Fire House in honor of Douglass who wa also a volunteer firefighter. A Lower Township police honor guard raised an American Flag the firehouse in honor of Douglass.

Capt. William Mastriana said he was a new officer, just out of the police academy when Douglass was shot.

“I thought to myself, ‘what, this doesn’t happen in a town like this,’” he said.
Mastriana said he saw a group of officers come together from near and far to help a fallen officer and a police department in need.

“This was the beginning of me realizing this group we call law enforcement officers is the greatest group of people I will ever know,” he said.

Mastriana said no one should forget the sacrifice Douglass made the day he lost his life.

Mayor Michael Beck, a former Philadelphia police officer, said an officer is sometimes asked to take a life and to give a life. He said Douglass would not be forgotten.

At 7:15 p.m., all of the township’s fire sirens were scheduled activated in honor of Douglass.