Detective Daryl W. Shirley Houston Police Department Texas Wednesday, April 28, 1982  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 1

You have not been forgotten. Thank you for your service to others. Continue to keep watch over all of your loved ones.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04
2009-04-28

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH
2008-04-29

This is the 26th anniversary of your EOW. No matter how much time passes,
your service and sacrifice is never forgotten. At least one of your sons has
followed in your footsteps. May the Lord watch over him and protect him
until you are reunited.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

2008-04-28

"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
2008-02-13

To Detective Daryl Shirley, his loved ones and his fellow officers:

On this the twenty-fourth anniversary of your tragic death, please know that your memory is revered and honored today.

May your family continue be to comforted by the warm embrace of their law enforcement family, and other police survivors who share this painful journey with them. My heart is with your family. What a wonderful tribute to Detective Shirley that his son followed in his footsteps, and chose to become a law enforcement officer himself.

Reading all the loving reflections left by those who cared for you gives us an understanding of what a good and honorable man you were and of the high esteem with which you are held.

Daryl, for fifteen years you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Detective Shirley. I am so humbled by your valor and courage.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Detective Shirley gave to his community and the citizens of Texas, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on April 28, 1982.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

2006-04-28

Last night the family gathered for the first candle light vigil in the twenty-two years of our attendance at the Houston Police Department Memorial. I proudly stood in my police uniform as they called your name and I reflected on the good times we had. I only wish you had the opportunity to see and know your beautiful little granddaughter. She has a picture of you in her purse and I often tell her about your life as a father, police officer and someone who now lives with Jesus.

Gone But Never Forgotten

Detective J.A. Shirley
Pasadena Police Department
2005-05-21

This was the first time on this web-site and I have to admit it brought tears to my eyes when I read this article. I am 42 yrs old but still recall this tragic event many,many years ago. My heart goes out to all of Detective Shirley's family and friends. I come from a long line of immediate law enforcement officers and I know this is the total nightmare one has to endure when their family or friend wears the shield of honor. It is with great sadness knowing a member of our family has passed in the line of duty. God Bless Detective Shirley and long live his dreams in the eyes of his children and family.

Tina

2004-09-13

Gone but not forgotten,

I never had the honor of meeting you. You would be so proud of your son Detective J. Shirley (Pasadena PD). I had the privlege to be his Field Training Officer on nightshift patrol. He had to inherit your characistics because he goes above and beyond the call of duty on a daily basis. Your son spoke very highly of you and is an outstanding police officer. Im sure you are looking down from the heavens above and smiling.

Anonymous

2004-01-14

Detective Shirley your life and your murder has not been forgotten by the citizens of the state of Texas.

Anonymous