Holly MatkinDaytona Beach Shores, FL – Daytona Beach Shores Department of Public Safety (DBSDPS) Detective Darius DeBarros died unexpectedly at his home on Christmas Day, according to his department.
The DBSDPS said in a Facebook post on Saturday that it is “devastated” over the loss of the young detective.
“It is with the heaviest of hearts we have to announce the loss of one of our own,” the post read. “Darius DeBarros, Detective/Firefighter/EMT/SWAT member, 24 years old, died at his home in Daytona Beach on Christmas Day.”
Det. DeBarros was a beloved member of the city’s police force, the agency said in another post.
“Detective DeBarros was an important part of our department and this loss will weigh heavy on our hearts for years to come,” the DBSDPS said. “Thank you for your support during this heartbreaking time.”
His exact cause of death has not been released.
Det. DeBarros’ law enforcement career began in 2014, when he was hired by Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue (VCBS) as an officer, emergency medical technician, and lifeguard, according to his department.
“While working for VCBS, he became a member of the United States Lifesaving Association, where he competed and won the USLA Beach Flag National Championships,” the department noted.
Det. DeBarros joined the DBSDPS as a police officer and emergency medical technician in 2017.
Shortly thereafter, he completed the fire academy and became “a triple certified Public Safety Officer,” according to his department.
Det. DeBarros served with the Southeast Volusia Regional SWAT team since 2019, and had been promoted to the rank of detective earlier this year.
“Darius was recognized for his dedication, high enthusiasm, and for his committed work ethic towards his career,” the DBSDPS said. “He will always be remembered for his passion for his family, friends, career, being adventurous, not to mention his wild hair and genuine smile that we all loved.”
Det. DeBarros was especially dedicated to his family, as well as his dog, Exie.
“He was highly energetic and always up for new adventures,” the DBSDPS said. “Darius constantly smiled, and would light up any room he entered. He had an immensely positive and fun-loving personality that made everyone smile.”
Det. DeBarros leaves behind his parents, brother, grandparents, and many friends, “to include his brothers and sister in blue,” the agency said.
A fundraising page established to help provide care for his mother and grandmother in the wake of his death has raised over $15,000 so far.
Det. DeBarros will be laid to rest on Jan. 4.
On Christmas Day, we lost our brother, Detective Darius DeBarros. We are heartbroken. The link below details information for his service, and a means to donate to his family. Thank you for your support.
@fundthefirst https://t.co/cYlRtvXY85
— DaytonaBeachShoresPS (@DBShoresPS) December 30, 2020
Congratulations Officer Darius DeBarros (pictured below) and Officer Daniel Carrazana (not pictured) on your first and second place awards in the South East Regional Beach Flag Championship! Follow the link below for more information.https://t.co/xJvTUC2nLn pic.twitter.com/0NAW7p3qpN
— DaytonaBeachShoresPS (@DBShoresPS) August 9, 2018
Sending our condolences to the blue and blood family of Darius DeBarros of the Daytona Beach Shores Department of Public Safety. DeBarros a Detective/Firefighter/EMT/SWAT member.
To all first responders who are struggling , please know there is ALWAYS another way out. pic.twitter.com/FQ64RldlfA
— Rebound911 (@rebound911stl) December 27, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Daytona Beach Shores Department of Public Safety Detective Darius DeBarros, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
