Memorial for fallen Austin police officer Amir Abdul-Khaliq
Hundreds of officers from across the state gathered to honor the life and service of fallen Austin Police Department motorcycle Officer Amir Abdul-Khaliq. He died on Sunday from injuries he suffered in an accident during a funeral procession he was guiding.
As a devout Muslim, it is no surprise that one of Officer Amir Abdul-Khaliq's friends with APD Senior Chaplain Rick Randall.
"I will personally miss that brilliant smile, that big bear hug and that booming 'hello pastor' whenever I would see him out on the job,” said Randall.
Randall lead the memorial service describing the 17-year-veteran motorcycle officer as someone who had a heart of gold among other exceptional qualities.
"Humble, respectful, courteous and above all a friend,” said Randall.
Abdul-Khaliq's closest friend was his partner, Officer Jermaine Kilgore.
"We were the dynamic duo up north. You saw him, you saw me,” said Kilgore.
Even as Abdul-Khaliq was being taken away in an ambulance last Thursday, Kilgore followed behind and stayed with him at the hospital.
"As motor officers we know the risks that we take every day and the possibilities we face being motor officers, but nothing prepared me for the moment I lost my brother Amir. There are no words, that I can, that can truly express what I feel for Amir,” said Kilgore.
Abdul-Khaliq was a father of five. Kilgore took a moment to speak directly to the children.
"Keep him in your heart and know he's still with you. Please remember his legacy, make him proud and be great and remember you have lots of brothers and sisters in blue that will forever be behind you,” said Kilgore.
Abdul-Khaliq's oldest son Malik attested to his dad's great character and shared one of his teachings.
"When in fear, stand up. No matter how scared you are. When your faith is tested and life is hard, pray harder,” said Malik Abdul-Khaliq.
He thanked his dad's fellow officers and said, "I hope to join y'all in my father's place very soon.”
"It's going to be really hard to get through this. Amir lost his life doing what he loved to do serving his community and putting others before himself. Thank you Mr. and Mrs. Abdul-Khaliq for sharing your son with us. We will go on and continue to do this work with motor 13 forever in our hearts," said Kilgore.
You can watch the memorial live on our Facebook page below or here.
The Greater Austin Crime Commission has established the Amir Abdul-Khaliq Family Fund to accept donations on behalf of his family. You can donate in two ways.
To make a secure online contribution use the "donate" link at austincrime.org.
You can also contribute in person at any Chase Bank location in Central Texas (you can find locations here) or via wire transfer. Please provide this information:
Greater Austin Crime Commission
Amir Abdul-Khaliq Family Fund
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A.
Routing number 111000614
Account number 877696976