COMMENTARY

In Memoriam: Sergeant Darrell C. Curley Killed in Indian Country

Levi Rickert, editor-in-chief in Native Condition. Discussion »

Navajo Flags at Half-Mast

The news release came in an email Sunday evening from the Navajo Nation announcing the death of Navajo Police Sergeant Darrell C. Curley.

He was shot in the line of duty on Saturday night while responding to a domestic dispute between two brothers on the Navajo Nation. He was transported to a hospital in Page, Arizona where died early Sunday morning.

The email was a stark and vivid reminder of the danger each police officer across the country faces as they put their uniform on and report to work to protect communities across America every day. So far in 2011, 89 police officers have lost their lives in the line of duty.

Since1979, a total of five Navajo Police officers have been fatally wounded by gunfire. Prior to the weekend's killing of Sgt. Curley was Navajo Police officer Samuel Anthony Redhouse, in February 1997.

Sergeant Curley was a twenty-six year veteran who was a dedicated officer who served the Navajo Nation well.

According the Division of Public Safety, Sgt. Curley was recruited in February 1986, and later transferred to the Tuba City District and promoted to Police Sergeant in 2003. His many achievements included certificates for 20 years of service, commitment and dedication; outstanding contribution toward the recovery efforts from the Navajo Nation, Federal Emergency Management Services (EMS) and the Arizona Department of EMS; and commended by the Chinle Police District for his valued service and dedication.

Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly ordered Navajo flags to be flown at half-mast until Thursday.

Sergeant Curley leaves behind a wife, three children, his parents and siblings.

The Native News Network extends it condolences to Sgt. Curley's family and the Navajo Nation as it mourns the loss of a true warrior who protected that part of Indian Country.

posted June 28, 2011 10:30 am et