Fort Worth Police Sgt. Billy Randolph remembered at emotional funeral service
FORT WORTH, Texas - An emotional funeral service filled with memories and laughs was held for Fort Worth Police Sergeant Billy Randolph on Saturday morning.
Randolph, a 29-year veteran of the Fort Worth Police Department, died on Monday after he was hit by an accused drunk driver while working the scene of a crash.
The celebration of life service was held at the Christ Chapel Bible Church in Fort Worth.
Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes, Mayor Mattie Parker, family and those who worked with Randolph spoke about the beloved sergeant.
"As we remember Billy Randolph, we celebrate a life well-lived and a legacy of love, service and strength," said Noakes.
The chief went on to say Randolph will be remembered as a mentor, a protector and a man who made everyone feel like family.
"The compliment I’m hearing the most is the highest compliment one police officer can give another. They say ‘Billy was a cop’s cop,’" said Noakes.
"Billy did not die in vain. This city is eternally grateful. And we know, we can never replace your husband, your father, brother, your son, your friend, but we have to stand beside you and assure you that we protect his legacy and his life because that is what Billy died for," Parker said.
Members of Randolph's patrol team spoke about the sergeant's role as leader.
"He stood up for us, guided us, looked over us and checked up on us. Taught us how to be cops and how to be people," Officer Taylor Massey.
Before the funeral, several officers from police departments across the area held a procession from the Bob Bolen Public Safety Complex on Felix Street to the church.
People lined the streets to pay their respects as the procession drove by.
Sgt. Billy Randolph
Sergeant Billy Randolph was a United States Air Force veteran and served with the Fort Worth Police Department for 29 years.
Randolph was called to the scene of a fiery 18-wheeler accident on I-35W Monday morning.
At 5:30 a.m., police say 25-year-old De Aujalae Evans drove the wrong way up an exit ramp, through barricades and hit Randolph.
He was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.
A candlelight vigil was held for Randolph on Wednesday, what would have been his 57th birthday.
Police officers who knew him described him as "a cop's cop."
Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes said that Randolph requested to be on the overnight shift.
"He would never ask his team to do something he wouldn’t do. They would do the same for him. That’s why he’s a hero," said Noakes at the vigil.
Family members described Randolph, a father and grandfather, as a hardworking, diligent and respected officer.
"He was always looking for a way to make the world a better place," said his brother, Matt Randolph. "He loved life."
Randolph leaves behind a wife, Lisa, and a daughter, Kayla and four grandkids.
Suspect arrested after crash
25-year-old De Aujalae Evans is charged with intoxication manslaughter causing the death of a peace officer.
An arrest warrant affidavit says that Evans had 10 shots prior to getting behind the wheel and hitting Randolph.
After hitting the officer, Evans continued to drive for more than a quarter of a mile before trying to run away, according to police.
Witnesses saw Evans jumping over a wall to get a nearby Motel 6, according to the arrest warrant. She was caught near the parking lot and taken into custody.
Records show Evans has been arrested multiple times over the past five years. She pleaded guilty to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and unlawfully carrying a weapon in 2023 after shooting her romantic partner in 2023. She was sentenced to six years probation and was not allowed to drink alcohol at the time of the crash.
She is currently in Tarrant County Jail being held on $750,000 bond.