Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Seneca,

You have, and will continue to be, an enormous influence in my personal and professional life. My thougts and prayers go out to you and your family during this Holiday Season. You will not be fogotten.

PFC Pollard
Fairfax County PD, Fellow Academy Class 69 member

December 16, 2009

You are still in the minds and hearts of those privileged to call you a friend. Our lives may change but our memories remain a true constant in this world. I will continue to remember and enjoy the time we spent together. Your family will always have prayers on their behalf, from this man, if not from countless others as well.

Hock
Friend

May 22, 2009

It seems like just yesterday that we'd talk and joke. I was just thinking about the times we use to share as classmates/co-workers and Brothers in Arms. I just want you and your family to know your missed and we'll never forget you. Your now serving a higher purpose in a better place. God Bless you and your family. Always in my memory and heart.

Detective
NPD-Friend & memeber of grad class 69

January 2, 2009

You were a great officer and a great friend. I see you still as a smart and couragous officer. It has been two years now and your presence is still strong. My prayers go out to your family. I know you are watching over them. You always watched over people. You are like a king who protect their kingdom. Your family and Norfolk was your kingdom. I will always be there for your family. You were truely a great officer! God bless you and your family.

Police Officer II Swenson
Norfolk Police Department-Friend

May 22, 2008

Two years my friend and it seems like time moves so quickly. While time moves on your memories will continue to hold true, never fading to those who had the privilege of calling you a family member or a friend. Your life continues to inspire people who never even met you, that is called a legacy.

Hock

May 21, 2008

We met last Police Week, I hope you and your little one's are well. Please seek me out if you are attending again this year, I'd love to catch up. To jog your memory, I know this because the first year you meet so many and it all jumbles together, I was able to meet you at the off-site hotel when you arrived to late to register, but you made it to the candle light vigil and we registered you the next morning. I think of you often and hope the children are keeping you strong through your grief. Your son must be walking by now. I remember how his little face lit up when he looked at your dad. I hope your parents have been loving and supportive, their grief is not just for your husband but for you too. This is the one thing that a parent cannot fix for their child as you well know for you have your own. But even though you are an adult, your parents will always see you as their little girl and don't want you to be in pain.

Thinking of you - hoping you are coming for more healing at police week and if not, it's ok, you can come when the children are a little older and you can have more time to focus on yourself during the week. Always know that you touched my heart and as I am now a 15 year survivor I pray that you will draw strength from my words.

Jennifer Filer-Orsborne
Survivor twice Montgomery County Maryland

Jennifer Filer-Orsborne
Wife of PO Mark Filer and PO Chris Orsborne

April 19, 2008

For the family of Seneca: My heart always breaks for the loss of a police officer. I only took "the watch" for 12 years but I know the camaraderie between officers and the pain when one falls. There is no greater sacrifice than the loss of life, no matter how it was lost, and God makes the final call even though we are not able to understand his timing or way. The loss of Seneca was horribly unfortunate and I pray that his family will be able to find some comfort in knowing that police officer's all over, from city to city, state to state, nation to nation have shed their tears and that Seneca's lost life will never be forgotten by his family in blue.

roni tomarelli
norfolk police dept/retired

April 3, 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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

April 3, 2008

Just thinking about you bro'. Always wishing your family the best. That was a tragic day just about 2 years ago now, when NPD lost a great officer. You will never be forgotten Darden. We gotcha back bro, we'll continue to take your watch from here. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

Off. DSV

March 2, 2008

I was just sitting here thinking about you and thought I would drop a line. Brin you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers daily.
Sen I miss you brother!

Chris Rutherford

January 4, 2008

It has been a year since you have been taken from us and the pain is still here. I hope your family is doing well and I have them in my thoughts and prayers. You have a strong wife and she is the best. You are missed by many people. Your community misses you and the city of Norfolk lost a great person, officer, friend, husband, son, and father. My hope is still that justice will be served one day for you. I have a lot of guilt becauset he day you left us I was on duty. Many nights/days I wish I could of been there to save you as you have always protected me. I remember the talks we had and maybe someday those talks will come to light. God bless you and your family. You was a true Policeman and you live on forever and always.

Catrinna Swenson
Washington PD-Dear Friend and Ex-Coworker

December 11, 2007

Officer Darden

I have wanted to let you and your family know that I have had you and them ( your family ) on my mind ever since the Tragedy. I have just not known how to say what I have on my mind and think I now know how to say it. Without even having met you personally, I have felt pain and sadness. I have so wished it did not happen and that it could be reversed so that you could still be here today! I send all my respect and deepest of prayers to you and your family!

Josh Holcomb

Josh Holcomb, Police Officer Applicant

November 6, 2007

My heart still goes out to the Darden family. I never met Officer Darden, but my family and I were deeply touched by this wonderful and caring young man. From time to time I still think of him and his family. I asked God to let me meet his mother and God granted that request. It felt as if Seneca was a part of my own family. My family and I was in tears. It is our prayers that God will bless his family and continue to strengthen them more and more each day. God granted my request for me to meet Seneca's mother and I know He will also grant this request as well.

Eventhough I did not know him; I thought of him as a brother and a friend and I don't think that I will ever forget him or his family.

Rev.Dr.Hodges,
Suffolk,VA

August 26, 2007

It does not seem that long ago when we would ride in the car together and laugh, or have conversations about work, family, and spiritual things. Your time here was short but wonderfully meaningful to the lives God used you to change and influence. Your family and children can be proud. You will never be forgotten and I look forward to the day I will be called home and hear the same words you did, "Job well done, good and faithful servant."

Jeremy Hockman
U.S. Secret Sevice/Former Partner/Friend

May 22, 2007

ONE YEAR TODAY OFFICER DARDEN. WE REMEMBER AND PRAY FOR YOUR FAMILY.

I PRAY THE OTHER OFFICER INVOLVED IN THIS TRAGEDY HAS FOUND PEACE. THIS WAS A VERY UNFORTUNATE ACCIDENT, BUT SOMETHING HE WILL LIVE WITH THE REST OF HIS LIFE. HE WAS A VICTIM ALSO, AND I PRAY FOR HIM.

OFFICER DARDEN, NEVER FORGOTTEN.

JIM SWEENEY CIVILIAN NEW JERSEY
A FRIEND TO ALL PEACE OFFICERS

May 21, 2007

On this first anniversary of your tragic death, you and your family are in my prayers. Please know that your dedication and sacrifice will not be forgotten.

Linda Lamm - LEO wife and sister of
Jay Balchunas EOW 11.05.04

May 21, 2007

May you rest in peace and may those who mourn you recieve His love and comfort.G-d Bless you and them.

May 21, 2007

SEN,
IT'S ONE WEEK EXACTLY FROM THAT TRADGIC EVENING THAT YOU WERE TAKEN FROM US PERFORMING THE JOB THAT YOU SO DEARLY LOVED. YOU WERE MORE LIKE A BROTHER THAN A COUSIN BECAUSE THAT'S HOW WE WERE RAISED. MY GRIEF IS AS STRONG TODAY AS IT WAS THAT NIGHT. I KNOW WHAT I FEEL AND CAN ONLY IMAGINE WHAT BRIN, MARIAH, AND AUNT ROXANNE IS FEELING. YOU WERE A REMARKABLE MAN AND POLICE OFFICER AND YOUR LEGACY WILL LIVE ON IN LIL SEN AND MARIAH. I SEE SO MUCH OF YOU IN SEN JR. IT'S LIKE LOOKING AT YOU ALL OVER AGAIN AND THAT TRULY IS A BLESSING FROM GOD. YOU GAVE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE DOING WHAT YOU WANTED TO DO SINCE WE WERE KIDS AND THAT WAS BEING THE BEST POLICE OFFICER YOU KNEW HOW TO BE. MY HEART HAS A VOID THAT CAN NEVER BE FILLED.

SHARONDA FLYTHE

May 14, 2007

God Bless the Darden Family. The citizens of the Hampton Roads are still praying for you.

March 9, 2007

To Brin and family: Congraluation on the birth of Seneca Darden Jr. two weeks ago. When he grows up he will be proud of his father. I continue to pray for you and your family, keep looking to The Lord and he will see you thru.
Sgt. JC Powell
Norfolk Police Department

Sgt.
Norfolk PD

January 21, 2007

Miss you Bro'. Rest In Peace.

PO II
NPD

January 1, 2007

I just want to let the family of Officer Darden know that a citizen from the city that your loved one protected is thinking of you and praying for you, especially during the holidays. I imagine that this is an especially difficult time for you all. Officer Darden and his service will not be forgotten. I pray that you will think of the happy times that you all had together and smile. May the Lord ease your pain and bless you.

A Private Citizen
Norfolk, Va

December 25, 2006

To Mrs. Darden,
At the time of your husband's death I was living and teaching in Portsmouth,Virginia. I hurt so bad for you and your daughter because it hit home and made me appreciate life. I know that everyone was there for you in the beginning but as time passes some may forget. You and your daughter will never forget how you were robbed and cheated from the completion of your family unit.
With time you will heal and with the Lord you will prevail. Words can not express how much my prayers are with and though I have not walked in your shoes and may never experience a loss so great, God is still with you. "He will never leave you nor forsake you."

Joi Chisholm-Thaxton
Wake County Public Schools

November 28, 2006

Sen,
Your light will always shine in my heart. I will always love and never forget you.

Hermione

Hermione Artis Nickens

November 26, 2006

Being a plaincloths officer is a tough position not only for the officer and the public, but the officer and his co-workers. I myself am a plaincloths detective and know that there are some hazards with the position. It is never easy or good to ever shoot anyone period, especially to kill someone. But when it comes to your on co-worker or an innocent person, it can be traumatizing. When I say trauma, I mean to the victims family, the officers involved and the department as a whole. No one wins in the situation and prayer is needed for everyone involved. Trust when I say I know what it feels like and what you experience. I've had to unfortunately situation to shoot and kill a suspect in my 15 year career(1995). But for all involved in this incident, prayer and family is much needed and recommended. May GOD bless you all involved.

DETECTIVE PAUL
WINSTON SALEM POLICE DEPARTMENT

October 31, 2006