Sgt. Allen Brandt’s death was unexpected to many.
The Fairbanks police officer was recovering after he was shot six times on Oct. 16. He was initially treated in Anchorage, and later returned to Fairbanks and spoke at a city council meeting Monday night. Brant came back to Anchorage Thursday for surgery on an eye injured by shrapnel during the shooting. He died Friday as a result of complications from the surgery.
The Fairbanks Police Department held a candlelight vigil outside its headquarters Friday night.
“It is truly an honor to be in this city with all of you,” said Mayor Jim Matherly, who, alongside acting Police Chief Brad Johnson, asked to community to continue supporting Brandt’s wife Natasha and four children. “She will need every one of us for strength and prayer for several days and weeks. And guess what. We can do that.”
Soon after, a man started singing “Amazing Grace,” and was joined by the rest of the crowd.
Brandt’s body was escorted to the medical examiner’s office in Anchorage Friday evening by Anchorage police officers and Alaska State Troopers. APD Chief Chris Tolley said officers have been at Brandt’s side since then.
“They are staying with the body, watching over it until the body goes back to Fairbanks,” Tolley said.
He said anytime a police officer is killed, it reminds him of the dangerous nature of the job. However, when it happens so nearby, that reminder is more painful.
“We really hurt when something like this happens. No matter if it’s in the Anchorage Police Department of any of the other police departments,” said Tolley, who added that APD officers will wear black bands on their badges to honor Brandt.
Brandt was the first FPD officer killed in the line of duty since officer Kevin Lamm in 1998. The FPD Employees Association set up an online fundraiser for Brandt’s family. It can be accessed by clicking here.
Anthony Jenkins-Alexie, 29, is suspected of shooting Brandt. He is being held without bail. Court records show he is currently charged with attempted first-degree murder, first-degree assault and six other charges. They could change as a result of Brandt’s death.
KTVA 11’s Eric Ruble can be reached via email or on Facebook and Twitter.
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