Fallen Dallas officer Darron Burks recalled as dedicated teacher, servant leader
DALLAS – Fallen Dallas police officer Darron Burks is remembered as a former schoolteacher who recently completed police training. He also served through the Boy Scouts of America.
Burks was fatally shot Thursday night. Officers responded to an officer in distress call around 10 p.m. in the 900 block of E. Ledbetter Drive, where they found Burks inside his patrol vehicle.
Kirstin Baum met Burks at an adult leadership course for Boy Scouts, where he served as her troop guide for six days.
"So he was my direct person that I went to and learned from," Baum said. "Not only did I learn about helping kids in youth character development, but it's about leadership. It's about being a good person. It's about being a servant, serving others."
Baum called Burks the perfect example of a true servant leader. She said he became involved with Boy Scouts as a way to take his students on adventures.
Burks taught at Texans Can Academy in Dallas from 2006 to 2023. It's a public charter high school district that helps students get their diplomas.
"During his time with us, Mr. Burks made a lasting impact as a math teacher, instructional coach, and mentor," the district said in a statement. "His commitment to education and the community profoundly touched the lives of countless students and colleagues. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and the Dallas Police Department during this difficult time. His legacy of service will be deeply missed."
"That transition from being a teacher to becoming a police officer made a lot of sense," Baum said. "He was always serving and caring about people and the community. And so that absolutely made sense that he would follow in that path."
His death, she said, is completely senseless.
"He was a man of pure character," she said. "He was a good person, and losing him like this is absolutely devastating."
Baum said the entire greater Dallas community will feel his loss.
Meanwhile, Abryl Washington Goree said Burks was like a brother to her, was loved by many, and had a heart of service.
"He was like my little brother. Just someone I could always depend on," Goree said.
Goree said the Omega Psi Phi fraternity brought Goree and Burks together more than 20 years ago.
What started as a relationship as friends quickly turned into a family-like relationship. For years, the two ended up teaching side-by-side at Texans Can Academy.
"We call him 'Berkey.' We loved him, especially because of all the men at the school, he helped everybody," Goree said.
Goree said the last time she hugged her brother was at her 51st birthday. She said she had just beaten breast cancer and Burks took off work to be by her side.
"When I turned around, I was so shocked to see him and we embraced each other," Goree said. "He took off from work just so he could make my birthday party and surprise me because he hadn't been around."
After years of being a math teacher, Burks had dreams to serve as a Dallas police officer.
"He told me he wanted to help on a larger spectrum and to help beyond the four walls," Goree said. "He felt like God wanted more of him."
Goree said she broke when she got a text telling her he had been killed.
"I didn't really know how to feel and I still don't," Goree said.
She said the last message she texted him was "I love you."
Goree also said she will miss the Bible verses he texted her and his uplifting words, but most of all she will miss his smile.
"His genuine smile, and I will miss him always wanting to help other people," Goree said. "He's not gonna be there. It's not gonna be the same. I'm just gonna miss seeing him and I just hate that this happened to him."
The Dallas skyline was lit up in blue Friday night to honor Burks. In the wake of that shooting, which left two more officers injured, DPD said overnight that flags at all city facilities will be flown at half-staff throughout the day on Friday.