Police Officer Daryle Wayne Black

The first time I met you Daryle, I was on a ride-along with two friends of mine I grew up with in the Wrigley who were partnered and in the gang unit. They backed you and your FTO up at a flea bag motel 1020 block of E. 7th street. You two pulled over a car with bad tags, two semi bad guys and a bad girl (alleged working girl). After your team towed the car and everybody was sent to go 'Kick Rocks!' your FTO said, You and I talked.

My two childhood friends who I rode along with were commiserating about some internal cop stuff with your FTO and you and I got to know one another. I told you I was 'thinking' about applying to to Ca PD ( I was home on leave from the Army) and that I attended 9th grade at the Catholic HS down the street (St Anthony) and hated it! I told you I hated private school ( I attended Catholic elementary and middle school). I also told you I wanted to attend HS at Poly with my two childhood friends I rode with and i got myself kicked out of St Anthony on purpose. You chuckled and said "your parents must've been disappointed." I said "And then some!" That's when you told me you were a former Marine and OCSD lateral, You wanted to work the street and you said If I didn't want to work in a jail for a few years I should go PD after the Army.

My two friends and I left and I said," what's the chance of Daryle making it to your PD?" One of the two latereled from LASD three years prior and he said "Daryle is good people, he's smart, he's on point and he'll make it, hell he'll be our boss one day." That was a big impression on me.

The second time I met you was in 1997. You were in the Gang unit, I don't remember who you were partnered with you I was with the same two friends. We were at Super Mex on Atlantic. I remember when You saw me and you gave me a great handshake and a hug. You asked if I was applying, I told you I was staying in the Army. I was now with a unit that was going to be awesome and I was travelling all over. Then you and I talked as my two pals talked with your partner. When we all left after a great meal one of my pals said "Daryle's gonna be chief one day, at least a commander.. He's the criminal whisperer and the citizens love him." That made an impression on me. Really did. That was the last time I saw you and I remember that smile and you told me to be safe out in the world.

I was in Nigeria helping train their troops in April 2000 when your final 'end of watch' happened... I didn't know, until two weeks after, I received a letter from my mom and my two friends sent a note with my Mom's letter telling me you had passed. My friends note said "we lost a good one bro." I remember thinking, the world lost a good man... Over the years in the army (11B 1985-2009 18C retired) I have lost many friends mostly fellow soldiers. Especially in the years after your death. Our country at war, as you know Daryle, I know loss. It's a stab in the heart to lose someone. I know we had two meetings but I felt that I really knew who you were. What you were about... What you were trying to do... I read what ex cons and some 'sorta bad' people had to say about you here. Your fellow officers and classmates and Marines... You're devoted family... How they remembered you. I was not wrong in my assumption..

This is the first time I have written on this memorial about you but over the years. I am so proud and appreciative in meeting you. I understand your humanity Daryle.

I married for the first time 7 years ago Daryle. I have two twin daughters and I took them last week to your park when I was visiting my mom and sister in the Wrigley. My two five year- olds asked their 52 year old dad, "Who is this big policeman Papa?" I said "that's a great man who the people in your dad's hometown loved and respected." I said "their uncle's (the two gang detectives who introduced me to you) fellow officer and friend/brother. My friend." Over the years, I visit your park and leave flowers and say hello. Sit on the bench and drink my coffee and just appreciate knowing you.

I live in Tucson now, My wife is employed at the U of A Medical Center and I'm officially retired and a house dad/hubby. I drink my coffee in the AM in the garage and when I see the picture of my two baby girls sitting on your bench with their arms around one another and you. I smile and I am so glad to have known you.
RIP Daryle and I'll see you when I see you 'Battle'.

A former Wrigley resident
Friend

August 5, 2019