Justin Williams, 42, an Alabama State Trooper and member of Governor Kay Ivey’s security detail since 2019, passed away following a “courageous” battle with cancer, Ivey announced on Tuesday.

“Today, we lost a member of our team, Justin Williams. Justin has served on my security detail since 2019, and tomorrow would have marked 19 years of service as a state trooper. Justin was a professional in every sense of the word. He was effective, worked well with his colleagues, my staff and me. Truly, he was a real gentlemen,” Governor Ivey said.

“This Earth will be a little less bright – and funny – without Justin, but I am confident he is at peace with God in Heaven. My prayers are with his family, especially his daughter. God bless, Justin! He was a faithful public servant until the end.”

In addition to his 19 years as a state trooper, Williams earned his Bachelor of Science, as well two masters from Faulkner University. 

Please join us in keeping Special Agent Senior Justin Williams and his loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. His sacrifice and devotion will always be honored within our Agency and beyond.

Thank you, SAS Williams, for your dedication and service. https://t.co/apYvfseXkJ

— Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (@ALEAprotects) January 8, 2025

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency also mourned the loss of their own. “His sacrifice and devotion will always be honored within our Agency and beyond,” the agency wrote.