Fort Worth police honor family of fallen officer with portrait unveiling ceremony
The Fort Worth Police Department unveiled a portrait in honor of fallen officer Sgt. Billy Randolph in a ceremony at the Bob Bolen Public Safety Complex auditorium on Monday, Nov 4.
Randolph lost his life after being struck by an alleged drunk driver while working at the scene of a crash on Interstate 35W on Aug. 12.
The mayor, members of the Police Department, elected officials and family members gathered together for a ceremony to recognize Randolph’s 29 years of dedicated service to the department and his lasting impact on the community.
Randolph, who was also a U.S. Air Force veteran, was remembered for his distinguished contributions during the event.
Mayor Mattie Parker said Randolph was truly one of the most selfless police officers in the city of Fort Worth until the day he died.
Parker said she felt fortunate to get to know the Randolph family a little better over the last few weeks and acknowledge them and their sacrifices to the community.
“We all should live a little more like Billy and recognize the men and women that wear the badge in Fort Worth have a really heavy burden to carry and especially when they lost someone that they loved and respected and was a mentor to so many people,” Parker said.
The city of Fort Worth recognizes employees by giving them pins to signify decades of service they provide. Police Chief Neil Noakes presented the 30-year service pin to Randolph’s wife, Lisa, during the event.
“We didn’t lose Billy that day. He was taken from us by someone who chose to drive drunk.” Noakes said. “And because Billy chose to be out there on that freeway with his team, leading by example.”
Noakes said Randolph was always about the people who he loved, so instead of focusing on that instant that took him away, they are focusing on the life he lived and all those other years in service for the military, for the city, and to his family and friends.
“He was not a hero because of the way he died that day — he’s a hero because of the way he lived every day,” Noakes said.
Billy’s brother Jamie Randolph, his voice breaking with emotions, talked about small things the family has been doing to remember Billy.
They created a wristband that says, “Be like Billy” and throughout the day, he tries to do those little things that Billy would do, like understanding people, being patient and listening to what people’s problems are, and being able to try to find a solution, Jamie said.
“Those were things that Billy did on a daily basis, never asking for any praise, but for just who he was,” he said.
The Police Department has been gracious in helping the family through these last two and a half months, and Jamie wanted to thank them for everything, he said.
The portrait was installed in the corridors in a private ceremony after the unveiling event. It was a way for the department to remember Randolph and remember the way he lived.