Over 1,000 Officers Expected for Fallen K-9 Sgt.'s Funeral

While the Rayville community mourns the loss of a fallen officer, large crowds are expected for his funeral.

Anywhere from 1,000 to 1,400 police officers and first responders will be in Richland Parish to honor the sacrifice of Rayville K-9 Sergeant Thomas Alexander.

There is going to be such a tremendous police presence in Rayville that the funeral and visitation had to be moved to the Rayville Arts Center.

In life, service defined Sgt. Alexander. He wore and badge and uniform for 20 years, protecting and serving with his K-9 partner, Stef.

He also drove a bus for the Richland Parish school district for 24 years. In a matter of months, he would have retired. School officials say he was loved by the children.

“Tommy died doing what he loved—helping people,” said Dr. Cathy Stockton, superintendent of Richland Parish. “Students know that. They know a sincere person who cares about them. Tommy was that person. And that’s why the community’s taken it so hard.”