A motorcycle crash is to blame for the death of a T.I.S.D. K-9 officer. Officer Curtis Gooden served seven years in the school district. Those who worked closely with him say he will be missed. "It is a huge loss for Texarkana I.S.D. and the community," says Interim Superintendent, James Henry Russell. Russell was part of a caravan escorting Officer Curtis Gooden's body back to Texarkana Sunday afternoon. Gooden, the school district's K-9 officer died after crashing his motorcycle in Pike County, Arkansas. Deputies say he wasn't speeding but lost control in a curve on Highway 27 and flipped seven times. "He was such a good officer. He is going to leave a big whole in our department," says T.I.S.D. Police Chief Todd Warren, who also says the seven year veteran was a good officer who cared about the students. "He not only took care of them in his role as a police officer, but he mentored several on the side." Officer Gooden is being credited for his working in preventing incidents around campus from happening. "Our students knew that Curtis and Robi were going to be in the hallways everyday and in the parking lots everyday and that really prevented a problem," Russell says. "It is a special police officer that can work with our students day to day." K-9 Officer Curtis Gooden is also a father, leaving behind six children. He was 38-years-old. "He was a great guy, a great officer and a great friend." Funeral plans are pending. Gooden is eligible for burial with full police honors.
