Dallas Police Officer Darron Burks killed in the line of duty

DALLAS - The Dallas police officer who was killed in an ambush shooting near an Oak Cliff community center was new to the force after quitting his job of more than 16 years as a high school math teacher and coach.

46-year-old Officer Darron Burks was "executed" late Thursday night by Corey Cobb-Bey, according to Dallas police.

Burks was shot and killed after Cobb-Bey came up to him while he was sitting in his squad car. The suspect was later killed after a police chase. Two other officers were also shot. 

A memorial has formed outside the Dallas Police South Central Division building in Southeast Oak Cliff.

Community members placed flowers on the hood of a Dallas police patrol car parked out front.

Officer Burks worked the afternoon and evening shift out of the South Central Division.

"As a department, we are devastated," said Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia. "Officer Darron Burks was a son, a nephew, a friend to many and he was senselessly and tragically murdered in the line of duty." 

Friday afternoon, hundreds gathered for a candlelight vigil in the parking lot of the community center where Burks was killed to honor him.

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson asked that city flags be flown at half-staff in his honor.

The police chief says they have offered mental health services to the men and women who worked alongside Burks.

A Product of Dallas County Education 

Burks graduated from Lake Highlands High School in 1988. He went on to study at Paul Quinn College, where he was a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity.

"They asked who would be our chapter chaplain. It was Burks," a former fraternity brother said. "He is the one who would be standing and speaking. He would be the one that would pray. He would have been the one to show care the best of what Omega is. He is the one that if you needed something he would be the one you would come to."

"He was part of the first graduating class when I became president in 2007," said Michael Sorrell, president of Paul Quinn College. "He was a wonderful alum to Paul Quinn. He invested in this institution, and we will miss him. We will honor his memory. We are grateful that we knew him for the time we had him, we just wish we had him for longer." 

‘A Mentor to Students’

Burks was a math teacher at Texas Can Academy's Pleasant Grove campus from June 2006 to February 2023.

"Last year, Officer Burks bravely decided to leave the field of education to serve our city as a member of the Dallas Police Department. His commitment to serving others, both as a teacher and as a police officer, exemplified his dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of those around him," wrote Tina Shaw, the principal at Texas Can Academy's Pleasant Grove Campus.

Texas Can officials described Burks as "an excellent educator" and a "mentor to countless students."

"As a troubled youth, he made sure to instill knowledge and provide me with the tools I needed to graduate, to be a man out here in this world. I am very thankful for him and the time he spent with me," said Adrian Coleman, who played basketball for Burks.

From Teacher to Officer

Burks made the transition from teacher to officer after entering the Dallas Police Academy in 2023.

He graduated from the academy last December as part of Class 392. Fellow graduates in black T-shirts labeled "Class 392" were at a Friday vigil in a show of support. 

"A couple of us helped him get on. Decided a couple years at homecoming that he wanted to get on, and we made some phone calls," said Frederick Bishop, a former Dallas police officer and Burks' fraternity brother. "He finally got the process started. And then when you get there, and you just think this guy, he's the one that could've moved up the chain to come in. He's the one that could've made a big difference with the department and the community."

Surrounded by members of his police brotherhood and community, loved ones honored Burks for his ultimate sacrifice.

"If Burks touched you in any kind of way, hold on to those memories," said Dallas Police Officer Nikki Andrews. "He wouldn't want you crying. He would be making you laugh. making you smile. He was a bubbly person."