'Once in a lifetime of a person.' Community remembers pastor struck and killed by Stamford police
Friday night's vigil embodied everything Pastor Tommie Jackson was to the Stamford community. Throughout the hourlong gathering, community members shared their favorite memory of Jackson.
More Stories
A vigil was held at the Stamford Government Center Friday to remember the life and legacy of beloved Pastor Tommie Jackson, who was fatally struck by a patrol vehicle Wednesday.
“He’s once in a lifetime of a person that I think I would ever meet,” said Rep. Kindrea Walston.
Friday night's vigil embodied everything Jackson was to the Stamford community. Throughout the hourlong gathering, community members shared their favorite memory of Jackson.
“He always ended every phone call with 'I love you. We have to keep pushing forward. We’re going to make this happen. I got an idea about something. We got to keep the faith,'" said Rep. Matt Blumenthal.
Community members at the vigil say Jackson was a role model to many.
MORE: Well-known Stamford pastor fatally struck by police cruiser
“By showing us that you can also be religious and a true believer but also you can be progressive and aggressive on issues and steadfast to the fight of equality and justice for all,” said Rep. Cory Paris.
MORE: Stamford community mourns beloved pastor fatally struck by police cruiser
“He was a true gentleman and someone who loved the city of Stamford and the people of Stamford. He made Stamford a better place,” said Jere Eaton, a community organizer.
At the vigil, there were enlarged photographs of the 69-year-old pastor where people grabbed Sharpies to escribe their heartfelt sentiments.
The evening ended with the reminder that he will always be the light that will shine through them.
And it doesn't end with this vigil. The community said they will continue to hold gatherings like this to keep Jackson's memory alive.
State police said Officer Zachary Lockwood was in a marked police vehicle when he crashed into Jackson on Wire Mill Road Wednesday. Jackson was on his way back to his house from his mailbox across the street. Lockwood performed CPR on Jackson until medics arrived and rushed him to the hospital, but the 69-year-old died there.
