Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I was a young CHP officer assigned to West Hollywood on January 1, 1975. We received radio call of a “999” shots fired on Santa Monica Blvd. and arrived on scene within a minute or two. We were told that that a deputy had been shot and needed immediate transport to a hospital. Deputy Hollis was placed in the back seat of our patrol vehicle and my partner administered limited first aid as I drove him without delay to UCLA Medical Center. The trip was est. 5 minutes or so.
Upon arrival, I assisted emergency personnel at the hospital with moving Deputy Hollis to an emergency room. I was provided with his gun, gunbelt and personal items and allowed to remain with him as he received emergency medical treatment including heart massage. Tragically, he did not survive his injuries.
At the hospital, I provided the personal items to an S.O. deputy and left the scene.
As I was the last officer to be with Deputy Hollis, I felt inclined to share this information. He will not be forgotten by me.

Captain Michael Caeton
California Highway Patrol

April 22, 2024

God rest his soul.

Sgt. Robert A. Henne
Jersey City PD/Ret.

December 18, 2023

I knew Officer Hollis as a friendly acquaintence. I evaluated police candidates for fitness for duty and felt Darden Hollis was not a good candidate. Boy was I wrong.

Robert Ashmore
Friend

May 29, 2020

Rest in peace Deputy Sheriff Hollis.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

October 21, 2019

It is tragic to see that anyone would have to give their life on United States soil, especially after one gave years of faithful military service. I am grateful for individuals such as Deputy Hollis who are out there day and night protecting citizens. They may not get the recognition they deserve, but they still continue to risk their lives every day and unfortunately some must give their lives in the process.
While Deputy Hollis's sacrifice may have occurred over 40 years ago, it does not make the incident any less tragic. To leave behind a family is something no one ever wants to do, and I am grateful for people like Deputy Hollis. I hope to walk in a path as virtuous as Deputy Hollis's one day.

Andrew De Jong

April 5, 2019

I knew him as a graduate student at George Pepperdine College. He was surrounded by friends and I was lucky to be one of them. What a shock to learn he gave his for his fellow man. The country must move to make working as a police officer or Sheriff's Deputy less dangerous by getting guns out of the hands of criminals.

Bob Ashmore

August 10, 2018

Rest In Peace Brother. You are not forgotten on the 43rd anniversary of your EOW.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret)
Upland Police Dept. CA

January 1, 2018

Your ultimate sacrifice is never forgotten. RIP.

Deputy Sheriff LASD

January 1, 2017

I worked with Darden Hollis in West Hollywood prior to his death. I grieved his loss as did all other deputies. I remember his as the "cat man" because of his fondness for cats. Unfortunately, my last recollection was when I was detailed to the funeral home to deliver a tie for his uniform. I saw Darden in his coffin and now I can't get that out of my head. He was a good man.

Deputy III Steven Koransky
LASD - former radio car partner

January 2, 2014

I was an LASD Academy Recruit / Cadet on 12-31-1974. Our entire Class was assigned to work the night shift in preparation for the Pasadena Rose Parade on 1-1-1975.

We were on foot patrol when the 998 broadcast came out and later for the first time in my then short career heard the broadcast that 1 deputy had expired. Chilling.

Deputy Darden Hollis...that terrible night I personally and poignantly learned about the dangerous and serious profession that I was about to enter. Your sacrifice helped me be a safer deputy for the next 33 yrs. Thank you partner.

retired
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Dept

February 14, 2013

This is a message to all family, friends, and anyone who would have known Deputy Hollis.

I am a member of LASD recruit class 391 and we as a class have chosen to memorialize Deputy Hollis for our traditional "Colors Run" which will take place on January 9, 2013.

We are trying to contact any family, friends, or anyone interested in coming to this event. If you would like to come or have any information useful in locating Deputy Hollis' family please contact me immediately.

Recruit A. Rivera

January 2, 2013

As a new Reserve Deputy @ West Hollywood Station, most of my memories of Darden were of him as the "PM Jailer". Working that New Years eve saw Darden filling in for another Deputy on patrol. Early in the evening he and his partner were trapped in an elevator that was stuck b/t floors. When the FD got them out, it was the last time I would see Darden... but his memory and legacy lives on in these pages & I remember him as so many others have described, as a Good, Kind & Gentle soul.

SR Deputy Steven Pair
LASD West Hollywood Station

January 2, 2013

I met Darden while I was in the Explorer program at West Hollywood station. He was kind and a willing mentor to myself and the other Explorers. Looking back, I realize the great patience he commanded putting up with 16 - 17 year old “partners.” I have a vivid memory of filling out the patrol log in ink. In the early 70s computer had not arrived and paper work on the Sheriff’s Department was done in #2 pencil, including the patrol logs. Darden, however, insisted upon using ink. If there was error - the entire log was done over. This may seem trivial, but I have never forgotten the lesson. Law enforcement is a profession built up attention to detail. It also improved my printing. To this day, I fondly carry Deputy Hollis in thoughts. He play a part in launching my career.

Deputy G. Crites
Los Angeles County Sheriff

June 18, 2012

Darden was a kind and gentle man. He took my shift so I could be with my family. It cost him his life. He was gentle and loved cats and would light them up with the spotlight while on patrol. I still regret not working that shift. I am somewhat sure it would have been a different outcome and I also live with that guilt.

Rest In Peace my friend. Thank you for also teaching me how to somke a pipe. I will never forget you.

Gary

DS Gary A. Fitzgerald
LASD WHD Station

June 19, 2011

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 35th anniversary year of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

I pray for the solace of all who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.
Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

January 7, 2010

Rest in Peace, Deputy Hollis. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

October 23, 2009

RIP
you are not forgotten

Anonymous

October 30, 2008

AFTER TRANSFERING TO HOLLYWOOD STATION FROM ANTELOPE VALLEY STATION IN 1974 DARDEN WAS MY TRAINING OFFICER FOR A SHORT TIME WHILE I ADJUSTED TO MY NEW STATION. HE WAS THE KIND OF PARTNER THAT YOU KNEW WOULD BE THERE TO PROTECT YOUR BACK. HE WAS ONE OF THE BEST OFFICERS I'VE WORKED WITH. THE NIGHT HE LEFT US I WAS ASKED TO WORK AN EXTRA SHIFT AS IT WAS NEW YEARS, BUT I OPTED TO GO HOME AND JOIN A CELEBRATION WITH OTHER LANCASTER OFFICERS. HAD I STAYED FOR THAT SHIFT I CAN ONLY WONDER IF I WOULD HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE. I'LL NEVER KNOW AND HAVE LIVED WITH THAT GUILT FOR YEARS. HE CHANGED MY LIFE AND WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ATTITUDE I CARRIED WITH ME ON THE JOB UNTIL I RETIRED FROM ANOTHER DEPARTMENT. GOD BLESS YOU DARDEN AND THANK YOU FOR MAKING MY LIFE AND THE LIVES OF OTHERS I'VE WORKED WITH SINCE A LOT SAFER....FROSTY.

WILLIAM FROST/RETIRED ATWATER P.D.
TRAINED BY DARDEN WHILE WITH HOLLYWOOD STATION

January 7, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

December 30, 2007

"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

September 12, 2007

I'm retired now. Over the years I've often thought of this kind man. I first met him at the county jail, where we worked together, I believe it was 1970. We worked the kitchen. Hollis was an old head and had already been in patrol. He used to mimic an Irish accent and always talked about his wife. As I recall she was Irish. What I remember most, was his realy easy going nature and a wonderful laugh. If you talked to Hollis for more then 10 seconds you heard the laugh. What a great human being.

Deputy Ed Looney
L.A.S.D. Friend

April 11, 2007

Deputy Hollis,

Your sacrifice was observed today (01-01-2007) by members of the PM shift here at West Hollywood Station. Although no one working tonight ever met you, your memory lives on.

Deputy Joseph Abercromby
LASD West Hollywood Station

January 2, 2007

Brother, you will NEVER be forgotten.

Thank you for your service and dedication.. Until we meet in person..God Speed...

Heros Live FOREVER !!!

December 19, 2005

I salute you, Sir. You are not forgotten. Today I prayed for you and your family.

A Minnesota Sergeant

July 11, 2005

Thank you for your service!

January 4, 2005