I would like to take a moment to express my sincere appreciation to the Metro FOP for all the support and encouragement that has been shown to our family since the loss of our son, Sgt. Darrin Keith Potter.
I can't begin to acknowledge the number of officers that were present at the visitation, the FOP memorial service and the funeral who expressed their heart felt and often tearful condolences along with many offers of support. We thank you.
FOP President David James has been wonderful. He seemed to be always there, beside us to assist in any way possible. It appeared I would just ask a question and the answer or solution would be there within minutes. I know there were also many behind the scene activities that may have been taken for granted, but required a tremendous amount of effort and coordination. Especially regarding the police escorts used as we met Darrin's coffin at the airport, the trip from the funeral home to the church and the extremely long procession to the graveyard. I know he worked very closely with the military in coordinating some of the events as well as dealing with the media.
Many of you spoke on various occasions or gave statements to the press with always wonderful, positive characteristics of Darrin as an officer and a young man. Of course, as his mother, I make those statements and feel strongly about them, but it is wonderful to hear those remarks being made by his peers.
I would like to clarify one statement that I've seen printed and also heard in news accounts that was not quoted quite as it was read. I'm sure it was unintentional with the reporter jotting quick notes during the service, but I felt it was very important to especially let the FOP know what the true statement was.
It was reported and quoted that the family said Darrin's proudest day was the day he put on his military uniform. That was not the statement. The actual statement follows: "On February 1, 2002, he was sworn in as a Jefferson County officer. This was his proudest day. You couldn't wipe the smile off his face. He had set a course and he had accomplished his goal." This statement was included in the eulogy that I wrote and was read by Rev. Larry Pope during the funeral. Again, I'm sure it was considered a small mistake on the part of the press, but wanted to correct it for the police community.
ent.
When we discussed what Darrin would be wearing for the visitation and burial, we had decided he would not be wearing his military uniform and we had initially decided to use what we called his "European suit", a suit he had purchased while in Europe that he wore on various occasions. When we were informed that we would be allowed to bury him in his a Jefferson County Police Uniform if we wished, it was "no-brainer" for us when faced with that decision. We all felt that is what Darrin's choice would be. Thank you for allowing us to do this.
As I'm sure most of you know, we have stated several times we knew and had no doubt that his goal (set at a very early age) was to become a Jefferson County Police Officer. Often people would question us regarding this path, regarding his personal safety and the high risk of danger. But I think as his parents we would always respond that this was his chosen path and if it made him happy, then we wanted what would make him happy. And fortunately, I as his mother, have been blessed to not be a worrier. We were always extremely proud that Darrin had chosen a career in public service.
As he completed the academy and then being sworn in as a Jefferson County Police Officer was an accomplishment that he was extremely proud of, and of course, as his mother I was very proud of this fine young man that now stood before us. I felt that truly this was one of Jefferson County's finest.
I also remember the trip, just a few days later, he made to tell me the news that he had been fired. He was devastated at the time, but in typical Darrin fashion, assured me that it would just be a matter of time before things were straightened out and he would be reinstated. I'm not sure I ever knew all the details, I don't know that I need to or want to. I was usually informed on an as-need-to-know basis, usually before there would be a press conference or something was to be published. I think Darrin tried to shield and protect me from some of the things that were alleged regarding his character. But I remember telling him as he gave me the news of his firing, "Darrin, the people that know you, know the type of person you really are. They know your character and know what you are made of. These are the folks that matter and they will not let any of these allegations affect their opinion of you. The others that read and believe what is projected in the news and press accounts are people who are not important in your life. Your family and friends know you and will know the truth and will be there beside you. "
It's unfortunate that he lived such a short life and had such a short career as an officer. He never again got to flash that wonderful crooked smile as he was full of pride at being a police officer before his death.
I have visited the FOP website and reviewed some of the comments since Darrin's death. There was one statement that mentioned if he hadn't been fired he would not have been in Iraq. That's not true. Darrin was a Kentucky National Guardsman and his unit was activated and deployed. As part of the unit he was expected to serve no matter what his occupation or profession was. He would have still been in Iraq with the 223rd MPs regardless of where he was working at the time of deploymI have been privileged to meet some of Darrin's police officer friends on previous occasions, it might have been at Open House during the Southfield training, family night at the FOP lodge, the ceremony as they were sworn in, or softball games at the park. I want to thank you for being an extended family to Darrin and standing behind him as you have. Everyone I have spoken to, even before his death, as I would say, "You may know my son, I'm Darrin Potter's mother," would immediately tell me what a wonderful, outstanding young man he was. Of course that might be the standard response to reply to a mother, but I believe the remarks were sincere when spoken to me. You all have proved those comments by your unwavering commitment and firm stand you have taken on Darrin's behalf.
I know I will not be able to remember or thank everyone who was so gracious and helped us during the days of preparation for Darrin's final tribute. But again, I want to thank these officers especially: David James, John Minogue, Jerry Huckleberry, Mike Koenig, Brian Peters, Matt Staples, Ann Hogan and attorney Mark Miller.
Darrin lived only 24 years and 14 days on this earth. But he lived a very full, happy life, he enjoyed life and also made life enjoyable for those around him. He experienced a lot of life that many of us will never get to enjoy. I think I was told that he had visited 18 countries because of his military assignments. He enjoyed trips and adventures that most of us will only be able to see through photographs or via television. He was always positive and several people shared that he often said, "Everything happens for a purpose." I have said over the last few weeks, I certainly don't know why or can't understand why this has happened, but obviously God had bigger and better plans for Darrin. God must have looked down to pick out the best to join Him and He choose Darrin.
Again, thank all of you for your wonderful support. Continue to remember our family in your thoughts and prayers. Everything is still very unreal at times and as the 223rd MPs will be returning home within the month, we will again face the fact that Darrin will not be returning home to us with the others. As the holidays approach, we have never had Thanksgiving or Christmas celebrations without him, so there will be a big void and reminders again. But I believe that God is in control and He is definitely helping us through these difficult times. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Lynn Romans, mother of Sgt. Darrin Potter