Funeral held for Arlington motorcycle officer killed in hit-and-run crash
Funeral held for Arlington officer killed in hit-and-run
It was an emotional day for members of the Arlington Police Department on Wednesday. A funeral was held for motorcycle officer Darrin McMichael, a 24-year veteran of the force, just days after he was hit and killed in a crash on I-20 while riding to work.
ARLINGTON, Texas - The Arlington police officer killed in a hit-and-run crash while on his way to work last week is being remembered as a dedicated servant.
Funeral services were held Wednesday morning for Officer Darrin McMichael.
His life was celebrated in song, special memories, and with reflections and stories shared by those who knew him best.
"He was always listening intently to everything, and he genuinely cared. If you needed advice or needed help with anything at all, he was there for you whether you asked for it or not," said Officer Eddie Chappell. "Darrin Pal, your death has broken my heart. I’m really going to miss our early morning text messages every single day before work."
"I can tell you our department is hurting. The officers in the motor and traffic unit are hurting. But most importantly, Darrin's wife, Lynette, and her family are hurting," said Arlington Police Chief Al Jones.
McMichael was known as a cowboy. His cowboy hat, boots, and vest were on display during his service at the Crossroads Christian Church in Grand Prairie.
"Darren was somebody everyone looked up to, both literally and figuratively. For those that didn’t know, Darren he was 6’6". By the way, I’m 5’6", so it always looked like bring your kid to work day whenever we worked alongside each other," Chappell joked.
The service was also highlighted with personal photos that captured the motorcycle officer in his element, as a husband, a dad of two daughters and a grandfather.
"Scripture tells us when we are absent from the body, we are present with the lord," the chaplain said.
The sermon celebrated McMichael as a community servant, family man, and an overall life well lived.
The motorcycle officer died this past Thursday while on his way to work.
Arlington police officer killed in hit-and-run crash while on his way to work
Arlington Officer Darrin McMichael was killed in an early morning accident on I-20 in Southeast Dallas while he was on his way to work. Police are now searching for an SUV that left the scene after running over the officer.
He hit an SUV in front of him on Interstate 20 in Dallas as traffic was slowing down. He fell off the bike, and another driver drove over him. That driver kept going.
Investigators still need help finding that driver.
They have limited details and have only said the hit-and-run driver was in a dark sedan, possibly a Dodge or a Chrysler.
The reward for information leading to an arrest has been raised to $20,000.
Anyone who saw the crash or has dash camera video is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 1-877-373-8477.
Police are also asking nearby businesses to review their security video to see if they captured anything.
As McMichael’s colleagues gathered for a vigil Tuesday night, they remembered the time spent with him.
"Darrin was so much more than just the uniform. He was a cowboy, a motorcycle enthusiast, a friend, and a leader," said fellow Officer William Bill.
"The fact that we don’t have that closure makes it a bit more difficult, but we’re pushing through," said Deputy Chief Leo Daniels.
McMichael was with the Arlington Police Department for 24 years and served on motorcycle patrol for 13 years.
He leaves behind a wife, children, and grandchildren.