A year has passed since the tragic shooting of rookie Dallas police officer Darron Burks.
On Friday evening, friends gathered at the site of his death to commemorate his life. They released balloons with personal messages at the For Oak Cliff Community Center as part of a heartfelt tribute.
“He always made time for us, regardless of the circumstance,” said Greg Allmon, his long-time friend and fraternity brother.
Community members, friends, and fellow Omega Psi Phi Fraternity members gathered to share prayers and cherished memories of Burks, who was deeply valued by many.
“He consistently aimed to leave things better than he found them, treating each person and every situation with care,” Allmon added.
Before the event, Officer Burks’ best friend, Andrea Scott, spoke with NBC 5 about coping with his absence over the past year.
“My mind still struggles to accept that he’s no longer here,” Scott expressed.
Scott shared that adjusting to life without Burks has been difficult. She recently experienced her first birthday in years without his customary messages.
“I’m unaccustomed to the silence. He’d usually send a text or video just after midnight,” she recalled. “His absence remains surreal.”
On the evening of August 29, 2024, Burks was fatally shot while seated in his patrol car at the community center on East Ledbetter Drive by an individual who approached him. The suspect was identified as Corey Cobb-Bey. Former Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia recounted that Cobb-Bey briefly spoke with Burks before suddenly drawing a weapon and firing.
Scott vividly remembers the call informing her of Burks’ death.
“I was praying and reaching out to others as I rushed to the scene,” she recalled.
Upon arriving, she learned of Burks’ passing amidst the chaos outside the hospital.
“It felt surreal,” Scott said. “I was in disbelief. He was such a remarkable person.”
Following Burks’ death, a wave of condolences and support emerged.
Burks, a Dallas native and Paul Quinn College alumnus, served as an educator before transitioning to law enforcement. He also volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America.
Scott was unsurprised by the numerous testimonies and lives Burks had touched.
“I recognized the person they described; he was loyal and treated friends as family,” she said.
Scott and Burks shared an unbreakable bond, from college days at Paul Quinn to long conversations and workouts. Their connection was so strong that they rarely went more than a few days without communication.
“He prioritized fitness, faith, family, and friendship,” Scott emphasized.
Though the past year has been challenging, Scott remains inspired and comforted by Burks’ enduring presence.
“I feel he’s still with me,” she affirmed.
