FAIRBANKS (AP) — Hundreds of mourners including Gov. Bill Walker paid their respects Sunday at the funeral of a Fairbanks police officer killed in the line of duty.
Sgt. Allen Brandt, an 11-year veteran of the Fairbanks Police Department, was shot Oct. 16. He died Oct. 28 in Anchorage of complications during surgery. He is survived by his wife, Natasha Brandt, and their four children, the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner reported.
Gov. Walker said Brandt was a hero before he was attacked.
“He became a hero the day he stepped forward and said he would serve,” Walker said.
Walker added: “Those that put themselves in harm’s way, those that run to the danger, rather than from the danger, every day you give us a blank check, and that will not be forgotten.”
Acting Police Chief Brad Johnson said Brandt was the ultimate professional, with high ethics and an impeccable code of conduct. He presented the department’s Medal of Honor and Purple Heart to Brandt’s family.
Brandt was attacked as he responded to calls of a shooting in a neighborhood east of downtown Fairbanks. Video from his dashboard camera showed his car slowing to a stop as Anthony Jenkins-Alexie, 29, approached on foot on the sidewalk.
The video showed Jenkins-Alexie, armed with a handgun, dashing in front of the car. Prosecutors say Jenkins-Alexie shot Brandt as Brandt tried to take cover behind his patrol car. He was hit six times. Jenkins-Alexie is charged with first- and second-degree murder and other counts.
North Pole Police Officer Phil McBroom said the eulogy that Brandt always made time for his four children and nurtured his love for his wife. McBroom and other speakers noted Brandt’s Christian faith.
“He was a man of deep abiding faith. His belief in the Lord and in truth was remarkable and brought a depth to our friendship that cannot be found anywhere else,” McBroom said. “I’m not talking about the milquetoast kind of faith or spirituality that is often found at funerals. Allen was the real deal. What he had was genuine.”
