June 12 marks 14 years since a drunk driver killed Grapevine Police Officer Darren Medlin in the line of duty.  Officer Medlin was a brother and friend to fellow officers, and so much more to the family he left behind.  While Darren lives on in the hearts of those who knew him, Grapevine Police continues to fulfill a promise made to his family: that they will never be left behind or forgotten.  

Throughout the years, the Medlin family has remained an integral part of the Grapevine Police family.  On May 25, 2018, more than a dozen officers and personnel loaded up on a passenger bus, and rode to Mineral Wells High School to keep their promise.  Darren's daughter, Sarah, was graduating.  Grapevine Police formed a Wall of Honor to stand on the field as Sarah received her diploma.  With each step taken by Sarah, each hug given by officers, every family member, friend, student and teacher in the audience caught a glimpse of the bone deep connection between police and the people they love.  

Sarah later told reporters who covered her graduation story, that she essentially has 50 dads.  When she appeared to lose her voice to emotions, Sgt. Bobby Smith rushed in to wrap his arm around her.  That single, solid gesture gave her the strength she needed to continue speaking.  It is officers' hope that she, along with the rest of Darren's family, always feel that line of support.

Remember the Fallen Heroes, which also sponsors an annual Darren Medlin Memorial Golf Tournament, gifted Sarah Medlin with $1,000 cash as she prepares to attend UT-Arlington to study Nursing.  Remember the Fallen Heroes is a charitable organization that exists solely for the purpose of providing immediate financial support to police officers and their families who were killed or injured in the line of duty.