Fallen Rayville K-9 Sgt. Remembered By His Own Church

As the entire law enforcement community grieves the loss of one of their own, the shock of Sgt. Thomas Alexander’s death in the line of duty is a major blow to a Rayville church.

Faith leaders of Agape Full Gospel Baptist Church, where Sgt. Alexander served as church treasurer, will be remembered for his giving spirit.

Three suspects are under arrest and will be charged in connection with the shooting death of a 20-year veteran Rayville police officer, who was killed in the line of duty Saturday night, according to state police.

Officials say K-9 Sergeant Thomas Alexander, 57, was shot to death, protecting a woman who was caught in the middle of a home invasion burglary on Highway 80.

The three suspects, all charged with the first-degree murder and aggravated burglary, are identified as 52-year-old Robert Walker, 30-year-old Anthony Otis, and 33-year-old Richard Long.

“Thomas was a great officer. I remember, he stopped me 3 months ago, and he said, Lynn, why are you driving so fast? He said, you slow down and be safe. I said, thank you,” said Lynn Landrumwarner, a childhood friend of the fallen officer.

Landrumwarner says she will remember Sgt. Alexander as a man who stood for right in his uniform, and as a man of God who continued to serve in the church he helped build.

“He was a helpful man. If he could help you, he’d help you. If you did wrong, he’d come tell you, that you did wrong,” she said.

But the courage to stand up for what’s right, and the bravery to come to the rescue of others in need killed Sgt. Alexander.

His final selfless act was protecting a woman caught in the middle of a home-invasion break-in, executed by three suspects with a violent criminal history, according to an arrest warrant.

“I’m angry because they didn’t have to do that. I’m hurt because a friend is gone,” she said, with tears.

But this Sunday service, the pews are empty and tears and flowing in the place of singing and praise, while the community questions how they can move forward in the face of the sudden, tragic death of Sgt. Alexander.

The fallen officer leaves behind a wife and two daughters.