Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Darren was a great guy, highly dedicated to his job and family. Always affable, and I felt privileged having known and worked with him back in the old days when I worked on the jail floors. He is certainly missed and I’ll never forget him.

W. Laws - retired
Former coworker at HCSO

April 23, 2024

Sat behind your family at the candlelight vigil tonight. Your brother and sister deputies were there to support them. It was an honor to share this somber moment with them. Will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.

Lt. Jonathan C. Stafford
Westtown E. Goshen PD

May 13, 2023

Thinking about you today a little more than most. Miss and love you so much.

L. Almendarez
Niece

June 13, 2022

The true measure of a person
is not found in the
might of their arm,
their wealth
or their power –
it is found in the strength
of their character.

There is no greater testimony to
ones character, than ones
willingness to sacrifice all,
in the noble quest of
providing protection to all
whom they serve.

Author Unknown

Javier Cornejo
Police Officer, Retired
City of Milwaukee Police Department
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

June 5, 2022

Your bravery that night was an amazing inspiration to all of us that had the privilege of working with you. How you shielded and protected your wife from harm that night but still boldly confronted the evil in front of you is the very way legends are created. Your selfless sacrifice will be admired and talked about for many years. Hero truly defines your legacy, but yet falls short in completely paying tribute to your actions. God’s blessing upon your family. Rest brother, as your brother Deputies are moving forward with the memory of your bravery.

Sgt Mike Scott, Houston Police (Ret.)
Houston Police Department

May 19, 2022

Rest in Peace Deputy Almendarez. May the Lord grant your family, friends and co-workers peace during this very difficult time. Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

Deputy Parole Administrator Howard Wykes
Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections

May 12, 2022

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Rest In Peace Deputy Almendarez. Our deepest heartfelt condolences to all of your family, friends, and brothers and sisters at Harris County Sheriff's Office.

Postal Inspector Scott Horne
US Postal Inspection Service

May 5, 2022

RIP BOTHER!! GOD SPEED TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!!

Stephen Bruet, PO
NCDPS

April 24, 2022

We will remember.

Ms. Eleanore Trupkiewicz
Civilian Supporter of Law Enforcement

April 22, 2022

I miss you, tio.

A.M. Almendarez
Niece

April 18, 2022

In Honor of your Sacrifice and for your family and friends, I salute you as a HERO!

"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 whose 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

Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

April 14, 2022

Rest In Peace brother

Sgt Benjamín Rodríguez Bermúdez
Puerto Rico Police Departament

April 14, 2022

My deepest and most sincere condolences to the wife of Deputy Sheriff Darren Almendarez. May his soul rest in Heaven.

Retired First Sergeant Thomas Webb
New York State Police - Troop "D"

April 14, 2022

On behalf of Session 72 from the Zone Five Academy in New York State, We send out our condolences to the friends and family of Deputy Sheriff Darren Almendarez and Harris County Sheriff's Office.

Session 72
Zone Five

April 12, 2022

Rest in Paradise my brother in blue.

Police Officer Darryl Welch
Marlin Police Department

April 10, 2022

PRAYERS FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND OUR FAMILY OF BLUE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF YOUR COMMUNITY. ANOTHER OFFICER TAKEN TO SOON. REST IN GODS ARMS

MOTHER OF A DALLAS POLICEWOMAN LINDA KEM

April 5, 2022

RIP Deputy Sheriff Almendarez. Thank you for your service to the citizens of Harris County

Sergeant Darren Weisse
Tufts University Police

April 5, 2022

On behalf of the Klamath County Sheriff's Office in Klamath Falls Oregon, we send our sincerest sympathy in the recent loss of your Deputy, Darren Almendarez, in the line of duty. It is always a huge loss when a fellow Deputy while being off duty makes the ultimate sacrifice. His bravery and courage to protect and serve your community has not gone unnoticed.

Sheriff Chris Kaber
Klamath County Sheriff's Office

April 5, 2022

God Bless You, Your Family, & Friends.
Thank you for your unselfish service to protect your community.

James P. Waggle, Jr.
US Army Veteran (SFC)
Civilian

April 5, 2022

So sad to hear the news.

May you rest in peace after having served those around you. My thoughts are with you, your family, fellow officers, and friends.

Reserve Police Officer G. Krystof
Los Angeles Police Department

April 4, 2022

Rest in eternal Peace, good and faithful public servant.
God has already reserved a special place for our peacemakers.
Please continue your careful and diligent watch over us.
When Law Enforcement perishes, a proud and caring nation mourns.
Thank you for your heroic sacrifice!
Thank you for your selfless service!
Thank you for your guardian protection!

Our prayers to the family and department.

Charles F. Holloway, Jr.
Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association
Elizabethtown Police Department

April 4, 2022

On behalf of Session 72 from the Zone Five Academy in New York State, We send out our condolences to the friends and family of Deputy Sheriff Darren Almendarez and Harris County Sheriff's Office.

Recruit, M. Gootz
Zone Five

April 4, 2022

Deputy Sheriff Darren Almendarez, thank you for your service to your community! They say that Hero's Live Forever, and I strongly believe this. May God watch over you, your wife and members of the Harris County Sheriff's Office during this tragic time. God's Speed Darren!

Reserve Deputy Brian Jacobsen
Mahaska County Iowa Sheriff’s Office

April 3, 2022

RIP sir. I want to say more, but I honestly struggle to even find words. What happened was a tragedy. My thoughts are with all of your friends and family, and those who you worked with.

Mr. Kyle Pace
Civilian Supporter

April 3, 2022

Another "Hero" taken.
You helped make this world a safer place to live.
May God grant you eternal peace.
Prayers to your loved ones and to your department.

Det. Billy Russo (Ret.)
Nassau County PD, NY

April 3, 2022