FORT WORTH, Texas — Through their grief, the family of Forth Worth Police Sergeant Billy Randolph exited the department’s South Division building side by side on Tuesday evening.
Outside of the building, they were surrounded by hundreds of people who gathered for a candlelight vigil to honor the fallen officer.
“We shouldn’t be here tonight,” Fort Worth PD Chief Neil Noakes said.
Tuesday would’ve been Randolph’s birthday. Instead of gathering around a birthday cake, his family gathered around his squad car and placed flowers on it as they fought back tears.
Sergeant Randolph was responding to a crash and fire on I-35 early Monday morning when police say a drunk driver drove through protective barriers and hit him. Police said other officers tried to save him and rushed him to JPS hospital, but Randolph didn’t survive his injuries. 25-year-old De Aujalae Evans is charged with Intoxication Manslaughter Causing the Death of a Peace Officer.
Candlelight vigil to honor Fort Worth Police Sgt. Billy Randolph
Community members, colleagues and family friends paid their respects during a candlelight vigil. Those who served in the department alongside Randolph shared their fond memories of him.
“He was more than a brother in blue he was my brother, period. I love him,” family friend Matt Randolph said.
Randolph was a son, brother, father and grandfather. He served in the U.S. Air Force and served the Fort Worth Police Dept. for three decades.
“Always remember: Billy isn’t just a hero because of the way he died, Billy was a hero because of the way he lived," Noakes said.
During the vigil, several officers described Randolph as a mentor and friend.
“Billy could’ve retired years ago, but he chose to stay,” Noakes said. “He was leading from the front. He would never ask his team to do something he wouldn’t do. People are safer in Fort Worth today because of people like Sergeant Billy Randolph.”
As the vigil ended, the crowd lit candles and sang "Happy Birthday" for Randolph.
FWPD has invited the public to attend a celebration of life for Randolph this Saturday at 10 a.m. at Christ Chapel Bible Church in Fort Worth.