Remembering the life of Danville’s first Black Police Chief Carl J. Alexander

DANVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — A community continues to mourn after the recent passing of Danville’s first Black Police Chief. Carl J. Alexander died on March 22 and was laid to rest Friday.

Nobody knew Alexander better than his wife Janet.

“Carl was larger than life,” Janet Alexander said. “He didn’t meet strangers. Everybody that I’ve run into grew to love him, certainly to care about him.”

Alexander became Danville’s first Black Police Chief in 1999.

Loved ones remember Danville’s first Black police chief

“I just thank everybody for having the confidence in me to do it,” he said at his inauguration ceremony. “And I know I can do it, and I will do it.”

In 2004, he was appointed as Public Safety Director to oversee both Danville’s Police and Fire Departments.

Ray Hillsman, Alexander’s younger cousin, is one family member who was inspired by him. He served as the first Black superintendent of the garbage department.

“It’s like, you know, you never forget him,” Hillsman said. “We’re going to miss him. But his legacy is always going to be there, you know?”

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Alexander wasn’t just a mentor for his family, but for the community as well.

“His footsteps had to be steady,” Janet said. “He had to create a path for others to follow.”

And he did that with his support from friends, family, and the Mayor of Danville.

“He just wanted to be someone that you could ask about,” Janet said. “And people would say good things.”

The Mayor of Danville proclaimed Friday March 29th 2024 as Chief Carl J. Alexander Day for his honorable service in the community.

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