The Stamford community is mourning the loss of a beloved pastor who police say was killed by a Stamford police officer who was driving to a service call Wednesday.

Reverend Tommie Jackson was in full-time ministry as pastor of Faith Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church for over 20 years.

Jackson was a pillar of the community, well-known and very loved. News 12 Connecticut spoke with Reverend Joseph Ford, who is now the active pastor at Faith Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church. He stepped into Jackson’s shoes when he moved to Rehoboth Fellowship Church.

"Not just pastor but a community activist, community engager, one that really loved his community," says Ford. "There were a lot of connections and bonds that were formed over those 20 years."

Ford says throughout Jackson’s time at the church, he did a number of baby dedications, married people in love, performed baptisms and buried loved ones, connecting him to so many people in Stamford. Now he says their connections will bring everyone together to make sure they honor his work.

“We plan on really honoring him for the work and the service that he has done here in Stamford, not only at Faith Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church but throughout the Stamford community, as you know he was very involved in this community,” says Ford.

The community says they intend to honor Jackson's memory and legacy just as they know he would have liked.

"We don't know when our last breath will be, but we need to take every opportunity we can to love those who are around us, just to live in peace and harmony with one another," says Ford.

State police say Officer Zachary Lockwood has been placed on administrative leave. Connecticut State Police are handling the investigation.