(TUSCALOOSA, AL)-- As the sun set in a sky that was determined to stay blue until turning black, hundreds gathered at Government Plaza to honor the life of fallen Tuscaloosa police officer Dornell Cousette.
Cousette was killed while on duty Monday while serving a warrant at the home of a wanted man. The 40-year-old leaves behind a fiance and two daughters.
The City of Tuscaloosa hosted a vigil for Cousette on Thursday at which fellow officers, family members and government officials spoke and shared their sentiments about their comrade.
Cousette's cousin Kelly, who said the two were more like siblings, said that he thought, "everybody was innately good."
Mayor Walt Maddox quoted Creedence Clearwater Revival before sharing his own wisdom.
"Put a candle in the window, 'cause I feel I've gotta move. Though I'm going, going, I'll be coming home so long as I can see the light," he quoted before adding, "Darkness can be pierced by the light."
Attendees lit candles and held them to the sky during a moment of silence that was eventually broken by 21 bell chimes.
Celebration of Life Services will take place at noon on Sunday at Shelton State Community College with Pastor Dr. Herman Peters officiating.