Daniel E. Eaker
Daniel Eugene Eaker served in the Armed Forces prior to becoming a police officer. After four years serving his country in the U. S. Navy, Daniel Eaker decided to continue serving his fellow man as a Chesapeake Police Officer.
Officer Eaker was appointed as a Chesapeake Police Officer on February 1, 1983. He began his career in the Uniform Patrol Section of the Department. He was soon transferred to the Identifications Unit as a crime scene technician.
Officer Eaker also volunteered to serve in the Chesapeake Police Department's Underwater Search and Recovery Team.
With the conversion of the Identification Unit's crime scene technicians to civilian employees, Officer Danny Eaker was assigned back to the Uniform Patrol Section.
On November 4, 1995, shortly before 5:00 a.m. Officer Danny Eaker pulled off of George Washington Highway near Ballahack Rd onto a gravel area leading to a boat ramp. He had just cleared up from a call and was parked off the roadway to finish paperwork related to the prior call.
The driver of a northbound tractor-trailer combination saw the police car and stopped the rig for assistance from Officer Eaker. Because of the narrow roadway, almost nonexistent shoulders and large deep ditches, the truck driver was unable to pull the truck off the road. The truck driver waved for Officer Eaker, who walked over to the truck CACU.
After speaking to the truck driver, who wanted to make a report, Officer Danny Eaker stepped back off the truck steps and onto the road. A Southbound car, driven by a 66 year old male, struck Officer Daniel Eaker. The car, a Buick, went into a ditch after striking Officer Eaker. The driver was injured and was taken to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital by Nightingale helicopter ambulance. A passenger in the Buick had minor injuries.
Officer Daniel E. Eaker was pronounced dead at the scene.
The area of roadway where the fatal accident occurred is very dark with no street lights and with the headlights of the tractor trailer, it is believed that the driver of the Buick was unable to see Officer Eaker in the road until it was too late to avoid striking him.
During his career, Officer Danny Eaker received numerous letters of commendation from citizens and the Department for his outstanding performance. Officer Danny Eaker was survived by his wife, Monica Eaker, and one daughter, Vanessa.
Officer Daniel Eugene Eaker was killed in the line of duty November 4, 1995, while in performance of his fundamental duties of serving mankind, safeguarding lives and property.