Friend reflects on Trooper Remilien’s strength one week after Lexington shooting

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — It’s been one week since Kentucky State Police Trooper Jude Remilien was shot by 47-year-old Guy House in what authorities called the start of a deadly rampage that also claimed the lives of a mother and daughter at a Lexington church.

Trooper Remilien was wounded near Blue Grass Airport while attempting a traffic stop on House’s vehicle. Friends say he continues to recover from his injuries as the community rallies around him.

ABC36 spoke with Floyd Raglin, a close friend who calls Remilien his “adopted son,” about the trooper’s strength and determination.

“I kind of became like his mentor dad,” Raglin said with a laugh. “He calls me Pops. He’s my adopted son.”

The two met through their shared love of landscaping, even though they worked for Versailles Police at different times.

“Jude is well liked. He carries himself handsomely, he has a great personality. He’s professional, but he does it with a nice personality,” Raglin said.

Raglin said he learned about the shooting when he noticed state and Versailles police vehicles at the hospital and realized something serious had happened.

“I’ve worried about that since he went to State Police, but at the same time I’m super proud of him,” Raglin said, acknowledging the danger troopers face with little backup.

Even now, Raglin said Remilien’s toughness shines through — and he joked about the trooper owing him “two large pink lemonades” after Raglin helped tidy up an Airbnb property they’ve worked on together.

“I don’t believe [House] hated Jude or the police,” Raglin added. “But Jude unfortunately got in his way.”

Trooper Remilien remains in recovery. Friends and fellow officers continue to ask for prayers and support as he heals.