Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Officer Darden,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice-not just for your Community but for our Country as well when you served with the U.S. Army. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol(Retired)

August 9, 2024

you are a hero

Nick mottola
None

August 9, 2020

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice will always be remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 9, 2020

IN THE LINE OF DUTY

Turn the wheel, Dennis
For your turn to be
Father to a city of children
And you the guardian of their sleep
To the street of dark houses
Where your assignment sends
You to cruise the shadows
And wrestle death
Your friends come with bright weapons
To find you gone
Into that dark house
No weapon can pull down

-James Fleming-

This poem was written in memory of Dennis A. Darden
Badge #403 Portland Police Bureau
Killed in the line of duty on August 9, 1974

The author James Fleming was a Sergeant with the PPB.

I had spoken with Dennis's son Rick Darden last week after he let me know that his first grandson had been born and I thought of how proud Dennis would have been . I remembered this poem written shortly after his death in 1974. He was a good man...

Sergeant J.H. Folliard-Retired-
Portland Police Bureau

April 11, 2020

Rest in peace Officer Darden.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

February 16, 2020

Dad, Thank you for being a hero. At grandma's memorial service last week one of your former supervisors told us that you were a hero. Today a former trainee of yours sent me an email just to tell me what a great man you were. I was only 6 when you were killed so my memories are dependent on those of others. I was blessed to hear that from others.
With love, admiration and gratitude,

Rick Darden
son

December 22, 2015

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 39th anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to be among the first to leave a tribute to you. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

I pray for solace for all those that love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. Thanks to your family and friends for sharing their reflections with you.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

February 3, 2013

My Coach and a wonderful person. He should have shot the suspect, prior to being shot, but in those days, you almost had to be shot or shot at prior to drawing your weapon and shooting the threat..Today, Officer Darden would have survived due to the fact that police shoot first and ask questions later..Which it should be. Myself, Joe Huff and then Lt Jim Brouillette searched the upstairs of an apartment house in NW Portland. As we got ready to leave, the Lt said I am going back and check the attic one more time. As Lt. Jim opened the door to the Attic, we heard gunfire, the suspect had killed himself...Today there is the Dennis Darden award for a superior officer at Central Precinct and the Clackamas County Safety Complex is named after Lt Jim Broulillette....They served well...

Bob Clary
None

August 19, 2012

I never really got to spend much time with you, being so young when you were taken away. But I remember you well and think of you often. REST IN PEACE Uncle Dennis.

Jeff Darden
Nephew of fallen Officer

May 2, 2012

Dennis, I still miss your friendship. Looking forward to seeing you again soon!

Retired Sergeant J.H. Folliard
Portland Police Bureau

January 4, 2012

As my career's end is coming closer, I decided to check and find those who had lost their lives during the year that I was hired. While it's been many years since your passing, I'm sure those you left behind and those whom with you served with distinction have kept you alive in their memories. Thank you for your service and for looking out for us who continue in our chosen profession. Rest in peace Officer Darden.

Sgt. Robert Mau Sr.
PD Joliet IL

December 17, 2008

Officer Darden your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Hands now. May you rest in peace.

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

May 29, 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

January 15, 2008

Because of hero's like you my kids are safe today. God bless you.

Paul S
Friend of fallen Officer

May 29, 2004