Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, Arizona
End of Watch Monday, May 13, 1985
Reflections for Corporal Darrell Dean McCloud
I was first the person on scene of this accident that night. What a hectic night, never forget it, tried everything to save the officer, as well as two badly injured men in the other car, who both survived.
Civilian
None
November 17, 2022
Bud, I'm so glad you can't see the hatred and bizarre perversions going on now of days. Here's something I ran across, I'm pretty sure you'd like it in light of what some of our elected officials are doing.
Praying for our great police all over this nation. Praying for evil on both sides to be brought to justice. Dear God give us guidance.
Yes... let’s all join in the hatred of all police for the sins of a few. Let’s defund one of the most important public institutions in our countries history. Let’s have all badges removed and allow people to tend to their own safety and security.
But before you do so, Let me tell you about the badge and the thousands of good men and women it represents.
The Badge
This badge ran towards certain death as the Towers collapsed on 9-11.
This badge ran into the line of fire to save the people in the Pulse Night Club.
This badge sheltered thousands as bullets rained down from the Mandalay Hotel in Las Vegas.
This badge protected a BLM rally that left five officers dead in Dallas.
This badge ran into the Sandy Hook School to stop a school shooter.
This badge killed the Oregon District mass shooter in seconds.
This badge has done CPR on your drowned child.
This badge has fist fought the wife beater who left his spouse in a coma.
This badge has run into burning buildings to save the occupants.
This badge has been shot for simply existing.
This badge has waded through flood waters to rescue the elderly trapped on the roof.
This badge has intentionally crashed into the wrong way driver to protect innocent motorists.
This badge has helped find the lost child so his mother would stop crying hysterically.
This badge has helped the injured dog off the road and rushed it to the vet.
This badge has escorted the elderly woman across the street because she couldn't see well and was afraid to cross.
This badge has bought food for hungry kids because they had been abandoned.
This badge has been soaked in blood and tears.
This badge has been covered by a mourning band to honor those who have sacrificed everything in service.
You may hate me because I wear it. But, I wear it with pride. Despite your hate and your anger, I will await the next call for help. And, I will come running without hesitation. Just like the thousands of men and women across this great nation.
This badge. ~Unknown
John McCloud
John's Auto Service /Brother
August 10, 2020
Miss peeking around the corner from R&I and seeing Bud at his desk. All those FBI stats. Bet you did not know Bud was a fashion maven, never missed ANYTHING - He could be in his office and know everything that was going on....Gone way to soon. Had no idea until this week about memorial in front of the courthouse. Sent Linda from Traffic a picture so she could see your name on the memorial. Know you gave your sons a great start.
Pat Humphrey, R1143
MCSO, Records Clerk
May 4, 2019
Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
God Bless
Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas
May 13, 2015
"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9
Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service
August 19, 2012
This message is for Thad, Judd and Lois as something i could not put into words at the time of Bud's death. Bud and i only worked together for a short time when he was transferred to patrol in Avondale. We immediately became friends and I can say that I really wish we had more time together. The night before Bud was killed we were having our late night early morning french fries (seemed to be a norm for us at the time). Bud was talking about Judd's graduation which was coming up that week. He was obviously looking forward to that and was very proud of both of his kids.
After his death I got the squad together and we all attended Judd's graduation and the following year most of us attended Thad's graduation in honor of Bud. I know he would have appreciated that. The night of his death i had taken the day off and Bud worked my beat and was driving my assigned patrol car. I remember getting the call that morning and having the squad over for coffee which i think helped all of us get through this tragedy and at the same time drew us closer together.
At the funeral where i met Lois for maybe the 2nd time she told me how much Bud had said he enjoyed working with me. A few months later Lois and the family took all of the squad out to dinner. I guess the bottom line is your dad was a fantastic guy and one i really enjoyed working with. Once again i can tell you he was very much proud of his family and what he did for a living. God Bless You All.
Mike Pennington
Deputy Sheriff (Retired
Maricopa County Sheirff's Office
November 8, 2011
Your heroism and service is honored today on the 24th anniversary 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 who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer. He was shot twice when ambushed on April 23rd when he was on a foot pursuit of two bank robbers, 19 years after you were killed.
Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. I pray for solace for those who miss and love you.
Rest In Peace.
Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater
May 13, 2010
"Bud" McCloud..many, many years before most people had heard of the Internet, you worked with Deputy Ken McLeod creating a computer crime investigation unit of the MCSO. The MCSO was one of the first, if not THE first, law enforcement agencies to have an online presence - you and Deputy McLeod helped run the MCSO Bulletin Board System, which was open to the public, accessed through dial-up phone lines, and helped facilitate online communications between the MCSO, the public, and other agencies. You helped pioneer something that was ten years ahead of its time, and from what I understand it wasn't even part of your delegated duties - although the MCSO BBS was run on MCSO equipment, it's my understanding that you had to fit your BBS administration duties into your patrol schedule.
And, even some of the people you arrested for computer crimes said that you were "a good cop". You saw the future of law enforcement, and you saw how important computers were going to be, and you advanced the interests of your agency by becoming a pioneer. I thank you for your contributions.
Steve Calabrese
July 28, 2009
Cpl. McCloud,
On today, the 23rd anniversary of your death, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Maricopa County. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.
R.I.P.
Anonymous
Anonymous
May 13, 2008
YOU ARE REMEMBEREDD TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE
VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
May 13, 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
November 14, 2007
Rest in Peace, Corporal McCloud. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.
Officer 11169
March 14, 2007
(From a Policeman's Prayer) "...And when we lay down our night sticks, enroll us in your Heavenly Force, where we will be as proud to guard the throne of God, as we have been to guard the city of men."
21 long years have passed. I didn't know you Darrell, but one upon a time shared your badge. You are not forgotten, and always celebrated. God Bless.
Neart, Gra agus Onior (Strength, love and honor)
Crime Scene Specialist K. Martin B1162
Scottsdale P.D. (AZ)
May 13, 2006
I am proud to be able to say that my Dad was a law enforcement officer for 20 years. He was not the kind of "cop" to brag about what he did for a living, however, he was very proud of the career he chose. He was a very loving husband and father and was well respected by his peers and friends alike. He is missed by many every day but we know that we will be together again.
Thad A McCloud.....Son
November 7, 2005
My brother "Bud" was probably the kindest, most caring law enforcement officer that I ever knew. As a Christian, his heart went out to his fellow men. I used to listen to stories that he told about some of his encounters and how he tried to help people that truly needed it. He and I grew much closer the older we got and became good friends, not just brothers. I used to be able to call him and ask his advice on most any matter and he would guide me with his wisdom. It took many years to come to the final realization that I could no longer just pick up the phone and call him anymore. He is still dearly missed by family and many friends. I look forward to seeing him again some day in heaven.
John McCloud...Brother
John's Auto Service
October 18, 2005
Rest in peace brother!!
Dep. Eric Thoresen
Marion County Sheriffs Office
March 14, 2004
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