Navajo Nation Police Sergeant Killed in Line of Duty

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

Line of Duty Death

KAIBITO, ARIZONA - Sergeant Darrell Curley, 48, of the Navajo Police Department was shot in the line of duty on Saturday night, while responding to a domestic disturbance between two brothers in Kaibito, Arizona on the Navajo Nation.

A 26-year veteran officer, Sgt. Curley was transported to the Banner Health Hospital in Page, where he died early Sunday. He had been assigned to the Navajo Police Department's District 4 field office in Tuba City, Arizona.

Sgt. Curley's partner, Officer Vernon Begay was treated and released at the scene.

As of Sunday night, no information had been released about whether or not a suspect had been apprehended. The Navajo Police Department and FBI are investigating the slaying.

Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly has ordered Navajo Nation flags to be flown at half-staff from June 27 - June 30 to honor the slain police officer.

Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly issued the following statement:

"Vice President Jim and I are truly saddened to learn about the tragic loss of Sgt. Darrell Curley.

We ask all Navajo citizens to join us in prayers for his wife Pauline and their three children, his parents and siblings, Officer Vernon Begay and his family. Sgt. Curley was one of our finest and a commendable police officer of the Navajo Nation, who had the experience and courage to serve and protect our citizens.

Our thoughts and prayers also go out to the Kaibito community, Tuba City District and the Navajo Police Department. Every day police officers uphold the law to safeguard our life and property from harm. We appreciate and thank our Navajo police officers at all 7 police districts for their dedicated service and hard work."

Funeral arrangements were pending on Sunday night.

posted June 27, 2011 6:00 am et