FORT WORTH, Texas — Emergency responders from all over North Texas lined the street with Fort Worth police to honor fallen officer Sgt. Billy Randolph.
Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes led the processional as the medical examiner transported Randolph's body from JPS Hospital. The police department was struck with tragedy Monday morning as Randolph worked to clear an accident scene on I-35 on the city's southwest side.
"A driver drove through the barricades that were there to protect the officers, striking Sgt. Billy Randolph," Noakes said.
Beronica Fullbright has known Randolph for several years. Both have worked in law enforcement along with several of their family members.
Fullbright's husband works in law enforcement at a different agency. She brought her family to the South Patrol Division where Randolph worked. They left flowers, and a flag marker for others to sign the flag at his police SUV memorial outside. She heard about the I-35 crash and later learned it involved Randolph.
"My heart sank when I heard it. I heard it on the news that an officer got hurt, but I didn't know who. Then, I saw that a friend posted it was Sgt. Billy Randolph and I jumped out of bed and ran to my husband crying and said 'Billy was killed this morning," Fullbright said. "I text messaged his wife and told her I would bring that flag up here and that I would love for her to take it home so she can read everything that everybody has wrote about him."
Fullbright said another reason she wanted to honor Randolph is that when her son was going through his cancer treatments, he was there for her family.
Other honors at the memorial include a thank you coin left by a wrecker service driver whose coworkers were at the accident scene with Randolph. After hours in the accident traffic Monday morning, Javier Alberren stopped by the south patrol division with an American Flag he kept at home.
Candlelight vigil to honor Fort Worth Police Sgt. Billy Randolph
"I actually retired that flag a couple of months ago and put up a new one, so I give it to him," Alberren said.
Monday afternoon, Randolph's family joined Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker and Noakes for a news conference. Although his family did not accept questions from the media during the news conference, family spokesperson Robert Mitchell read a statement on their behalf. Mitchell asked that the family be given privacy to grieve as they work with the police department to plan Randolph's funeral services.
"Today, we lost a good man. We lost Billy. A faithful husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, and good friend to many," said Mitchell, "He served four years in the United States Air Force. We are really grateful for all the love and support the family, friends and the department have shown."
Noakes announced they have the driver in custody who reportedly struck and killed Randolph. She is identified as 25-year-old De Aujalae Evans of Fort Worth. Her charges include Intoxication Manslaughter Causing the Death of a Peace Officer or Firefighter, according to police.
Noakes said after the news conference that today has been one of the toughest days of his career.
"Sgt. Billy Randolph passed away today a hero," Noakes said.
Randolph's celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Christ Chapel Bible Church, located 3701 Birchman Ave. It is open to the public, but there will be limited seating inside the sanctuary. You can also watch the service live here.
A candlelight vigil will be held to honor Randolph at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at FWPD South Patrol Division, 3501 W. Risinger Rad.