Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace Detective Shirley.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

April 8, 2019

Dad, 36 years after your death, your killer was sentence to life in prison today. He will die there. We have some closure for the family. Unfortunately, it wasn't the needle like he was sentenced to in 1983. You are and will forever be in the hearts of your family and friends.
Love and miss you, Steve

Steve Shirley
LASD, Retired

December 19, 2018

Rest in peace

Sgt. Jim Russo

April 28, 2017

Rest in Peace Detective Daryl W. Shirley. It seems like just yesterday you were here with us. Thank You for your service and Sacrifice.

I Pray for Peace for your Family, Friends and Co-Workers. I also Pray that the hounds of hell forever pursue and gnaw at the flesh of your murderer.

Amen

Senior Special Agent B.L. Sherwood (Ret)
Port Terminal Railroad Police Houston, Texas

April 28, 2016

Heroes live forever, Detective Shirley, and we will never forget. Thank you for the sacrifice you made for the citizens of Houston and the great State of Texas.

Greater Houston C.O.P.S.

April 28, 2013

Rest in peace, Detective Shirley. Your service and sacrifice to the citizens of Houston and the great state of Texas are not forgotten.

Greater Houston C.O.P.S.

April 28, 2012

You are the true HERO Sir and will never be forgotten. I read how earlier in the 70's you chased and made sure your partners killer payed for his crime. He was taking off the streets so he couldn't hurt another Officer or civilan. Once again you went after the bad guy. Thank you for your service and being a true hero. RIP Sir, you've earned it now.

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

January 31, 2012

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Sgt. Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

April 28, 2010

You have not been forgotten. Thank you for your service to others. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

April 28, 2009

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

April 29, 2008

This is the 26th anniversary of your EOW. No matter how much time passes,
your service and sacrifice is never forgotten. At least one of your sons has
followed in your footsteps. May the Lord watch over him and protect him
until you are reunited.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

April 28, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

February 13, 2008

To Detective Daryl Shirley, his loved ones and his fellow officers:

On this the twenty-fourth anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is revered and honored today.

May your family continue be to comforted by the warm embrace of their law enforcement family, and other police survivors who share this painful journey with them. My heart is with your family. What a wonderful tribute to Detective Shirley that his son followed in his footsteps, and chose to become a law enforcement officer himself.

Reading all the loving reflections left by those who cared for you gives us an understanding of what a good and honorable man you were and of the high esteem with which you are held.

Daryl, for fifteen years you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Detective Shirley. I am so humbled by your valor and courage.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Detective Shirley gave to his community and the citizens of Texas, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on April 28, 1982.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

April 28, 2006

Last night the family gathered for the first candle light vigil in the twenty-two years of our attendance at the Houston Police Department Memorial. I proudly stood in my police uniform as they called your name and I reflected on the good times we had. I only wish you had the opportunity to see and know your beautiful little granddaughter. She has a picture of you in her purse and I often tell her about your life as a father, police officer and someone who now lives with Jesus.

Gone But Never Forgotten

Detective J.A. Shirley
Pasadena Police Department

May 21, 2005

This was the first time on this web-site and I have to admit it brought tears to my eyes when I read this article. I am 42 yrs old but still recall this tragic event many,many years ago. My heart goes out to all of Detective Shirley's family and friends. I come from a long line of immediate law enforcement officers and I know this is the total nightmare one has to endure when their family or friend wears the shield of honor. It is with great sadness knowing a member of our family has passed in the line of duty. God Bless Detective Shirley and long live his dreams in the eyes of his children and family.

Tina

September 13, 2004

Gone but not forgotten,

I never had the honor of meeting you. You would be so proud of your son Detective J. Shirley (Pasadena PD). I had the privlege to be his Field Training Officer on nightshift patrol. He had to inherit your characistics because he goes above and beyond the call of duty on a daily basis. Your son spoke very highly of you and is an outstanding police officer. Im sure you are looking down from the heavens above and smiling.

Anonymous

January 14, 2004

Detective Shirley your life and your murder has not been forgotten by the citizens of the state of Texas.

Anonymous