Pastor Tommie Jackson of Rehoboth Fellowship Church and Faith Tabernacle in Stamford, Connecticut dies after a hit by police car.
Jackson who also served as an assistant director of the Stamford Urban Redevelopment Commission was attempting to cross the street when he was struck by a Stamford patrol vehicle.
A July 27 statement from Stamford Police Department revealed that he was hit by a vehicle being driven by a 24-year-old Stamford Police Officer identified as Zachary Lockwood. The collision reportedly happened Wednesday around 4:12 p.m. Before the arrival of the medics who conveyed him to Stamford Hospital, Lockwood allegedly performed CPR on Jackson. The Hospital later confirmed his death.
Assistant Police Chief Silas Redd who addressed Jackson as “a friend and advisor to many of us at the Police Department” and “a beacon of light for so many in the Stamford community” has expressed his earnest sadness over Jackson’s demise.
“His steadfast commitment to serve those under the guidance of his pastorate, extended far and wide. The void that has been left by his untimely passing will be difficult to fill,” Redd stated.
“Only the passage of time will bring comfort and healing. I ask that we all keep both the family of Pastor Jackson, his church family, Officer Lockwood, and his family in our thoughts and prayers during these most difficult times.”
Officer Lockwood who has served the Stamford Police Department since April 18th, 2022 was placed on administrative leave following further investigation into Jackson’s death. The Police also urged eye Witnesses before or during the collision to contact the Stamford Police Department.
Other notable personnel have taken to social media to mourn the deceased pastor.
“I am devastated and heartbroken by the untimely passing of Reverend Tommie Jackson,” Stamford Mayor Caroline Simms wrote on Facebook.
“Reverend Jackson was a pillar in the Stamford community and led a life devoted to faith and public service. He was a larger-than-life presence who was steadfast in his advocacy for social and racial justice and touched the lives of so many through his work as Pastor at Rehoboth Fellowship Church and Faith Tabernacle Church, as well as Assistant Director of the Urban Redevelopment Commission.”
“Reverend Jackson’s decades of service and leadership made an indelible impact on the city of Stamford. I will greatly miss his positive energy, wonderful sense of humor, and infectious smile,” she added.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Reverend Jackson’s family, especially his wife Dorye, who honorably serves our City as a Stamford Police Commissioner, and their daughters Evinn and Erin. My thoughts and prayers are also with Officer Lockwood and his family during this very difficult time.”
Sherise Henri, Jackson’s former parishioner took to Facebook to express his sadness.
“I am so shocked and saddened right now by the tragic passing of our family pastor back in Connecticut. Pastor Jackson, you played a tremendous part in my family when we were going through tough times. You stepped in and took charge.”
“I thank you and I thank God that you were there for me and my children as a church family. The baptism of my children was the greatest blessing we shared with you and our church family. My sincere condolences to you and your family.” Henri wrote in a statement on Facebook.