Memorial Held for Slain Coast Guardsmen

Hopkins and Belisle honored at service

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By KTVA CBS 11 News
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Story Created: Apr 19, 2012 at 4:49 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Apr 19, 2012 at 5:52 PM AKDT

ALASKA - The community of Kodiak remembered two slain Coast Guardsmen Wednesday, nearly a week after the men where gunned down by an unidentified shooter.

Petty Officer First Class James Hopkins and Richard Belisle received full military honors during Wednesday's memorial service.

Hopkins, an electrical technician, and Belisle, a retired Chief Petty Officer and civilian employee, were described as dedicated Guardsmen and major parts of the Kodiak community.

"Jim and Rich loved their countries, they loved the Coast Guard and they loved their families,” said Coast Guard Commander Peter Van Ness. “They left behind two well-worn sets of boots that no man can ever hope to fill.”

While the FBI said it is investigating the shooting as a double homicide, no suspects have been taken into custody for the crime and the bureau has not yet released any possible motive for the shootings.
 

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Victoria said on Friday, Apr 20 at 4:04 AM

As the Mother of a Coastie, my heart goes out to the friends and families of the 2 fallen men. I pray that the investigation is successful and the person responsible is brought to justice. Much love to the Coasties of Kodiak Island.

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david said on Friday, Apr 20 at 9:26 AM

Only a few hours after the murders the police lifted the lockdown on the hospital and schools stating no one was at risk at that time. How did they know this? They are claiming the killer is still at large. If they are not releasing information the public should have then the police should be forthright and transparent in their duties as public servants and release information that would set the public at ease. Because the Coast Guard is so big in this community I can only hope there is not a cover up going on with the "powers that be".

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