Fallen Fort Worth police officer's name added to memorial wall
FORT WORTH, Texas - The Fort Worth Police Department honored fallen officer Sgt. Billy Randolph by adding his name to the Fort Worth Police and Fire Memorial Wall.
Sgt. Randolph’s name was etched into the granite next to the names of other fallen police officers on Wednesday morning.
"As we engrave Billy's name into this memorial, we ensure his legacy endures a permanent estimate to his love, laughter, and contributions," said Fort Worth Police Commander Andre Smith.
Sgt. Randolph was hit and killed by a suspected drunken driver back in August.
Police charged 25-year-old De Aujalae Evans with intoxication manslaughter of a police officer after they said she drove the wrong way on an Interstate 35 exit ramp through barricades, hitting Randolph as he worked a crash scene.
Her case has not yet gone to trial.
Randolph was a U.S. Air Force veteran and served Fort Worth PD for 29 years.
He was also a husband, father, and grandfather who is remembered by the police department as a mentor and protector.
"He was truly one of the most amazing people I will ever know," said Kayla Bates, his daughter. "His ability to love and serve others knew no bounds, and this was his life. And he dedicated his life to serving others to the very end. A true servant's heart."
Fort Worth Police Sgt. Billy Randolph remembered at emotional funeral service
On Saturday, the Fort Worth community will say goodbye to Sgt. Billy Randolph. The 29-year police veteran died in the line of duty earlier this week.
"Billy was one of those guys you could always count on. He was one of those people who was going to lead from the front. He never asked his team to do anything that he wouldn’t do," said Police Chief Neil Noakes.
The chief said he hates that the memorial wall is even necessary. But, adding Randolph’s name is a way for the department to show it will never forget and to honor his service, sacrifice, and his life.
"You know, we talk a lot about never forgetting. We talk a lot about how we’ll always be there for the family and our actions are what matter more than our words. This is a visual representation etched in stone," Chief Noakes said.
There are now 66 names etched on Fort Worth's Police and Fire Memorial Wall.
Randolph's name will also be added to a memorial wall in Washington, D.C., and at the state capitol in Austin.