View all 4 Reflections
Most Recent Reflection
I live on the street that is named after Officer Eugene Yoakum. I've looked many times on the marker and wondered about the man who died in service of the City of Alexandria, VA. He died on my sixth b-day. I'm honored to live on a street named after him. I offer my sympathies to the family who have grieved for him.
I include details about him from a website for Old Ham Radio Operators. I have modified the original text so that it will not be confused as if written by me.
Officer Eugene Yoakum *WA4OKK* 1932-1964 - Born 18 Dec 1932 to Robert and Myrtle Yoakum of Speedwell, TN. Eugene served in the USMC from 1950-54 and entered the Alexandria
Police Department upon expiration of enlistment. In his first year he was cited for bravery involved in a shoot-out with burglars. In 1960 Eugene joined the K-9 Corps with his German Shepherd partner Mucho. His faithful partner was
one of the first of its kind to join the force. With a specially equipped collar, Mucho learned to respond to commands via radio. Yoakum and Mucho received attention for their robbery
apprehensions in Alexandria and nearby Fairfax.
In the December 1964 issue of QST, Officer’s Yoakum and Mucho received a tribute for their final deed on September 27th 1964 when just before 0200 officers were called out on a assault call. A 24-year old subject causing a disturbance, had knife and had been drinking; the attending
officer requested backup. Officer Yoakum and Mucho arrived along with a third police officer.
Officer Yoakum attempted to talk to the subject who had a knife when the subject suddenly pulled out a gun from behind his back, firing at Yoakum and hitting him in the chest. Yoacum couldn’t return fire. The individual fatally wounding Yoakum was shot and killed at the scene. Mucho watched over his fatally injured partner until removed to the Alexandria Hospital. Eugene was pronounced dead at 0220, Mucho was given to his masters family.
Eugene Yoakum age 31 was a ten year veteran of the Alexandria Police Department, survived by his wife Elizabeth Marie Yoakum; daughters Marian and Sharon; a son Tyrone
Yoakum. He rests at the National Memorial Park in Falls Church, Virginia.
Patrick T. Plunkett
A Citizen of Alexandria, VA
March 31, 2012
Patrick T. Plunkett
Citizen of Alexandria, VA
March 31, 2012
