Holly MatkinMemphis, TN – Somerville Police Department (SPD) Sergeant Darell McCarley died unexpectedly on Dec. 22.
The 42-year-old officer passed away at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis, according to his obituary.
His exact cause of death has not been released.
“The Town of Somerville mourns the loss of Sergeant Darell McCarley,” the SPD said in a Facebook post the following day. “Sergeant McCarley was an incredible asset to the Town of Somerville and its Police Department and he will be mourned by all that knew him.”
Sgt. McCarley’s law enforcement career began in 1999, when he graduated from the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Officer’s Association, according to his obituary.
He served with the Haywood County Sheriff’s Department’s Narcotics and Gang Unit and as a field training officer with the Brownsville Police Department before joining the SPD 14 years ago.
The SPD said Sgt. McCarley was particularly passionate about his work as a training officer for the department.
He received a multitude of commendations during his 21-year law enforcement career, to include being named as SPD’s Officer of the Year in both 2009 and 2010, according to his obituary.
Sgt. McCarley was instrumental in the organization and implementation of the Child Safety Identification program, and was also involved with the agency’s Critical Incident Response Team.
“The Town of Somerville has nothing but admiration, pride and gratitude to Sergeant McCarley and his family,” the SPD said.
Sgt. McCarley leaves behind his wife of 18 years, Heather, according to his obituary.
He is also survived by his siblings, uncle, brother-in-law, 13 nieces, seven nephews, “a host of loving cousins,” and his two “fur babies,” Ollie and Memme.
Sgt. McCarley will be laid to rest on Jan 3.
A Celebration of Life and Sea of Blue Honoring Sgt. Darell McCarley https://t.co/khh96D1FsT pic.twitter.com/MyqKJVAaJM
— Town of Somerville (@SomervilleTN) December 29, 2020
With deep sadness we mourn the loss of Somerville PD's Sargent Darrell McCarley. Please pray for his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
Fayette Cares honors his memory with a blue ribbon to remind us of this caring protector. pic.twitter.com/QYfMn29w3K
— Fayette Cares (@FayetteCares) December 24, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Somerville Police Department (SPD) Sergeant Darell McCarley, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
Sandy Malone
