Vigil honors late DPD officer Darren Weathers one year to his death

DETROIT (FOX 2) - Wednesday marked one year since Detroit Police Officer Darren Weathers died in a car crash during a police exercise.

"He served his country, his community and today we mourn," said Darnell Johnson, Weathers' brother. 

On Feb. 13, 2018, Officer Weathers was on a training run when his vehicle was hit on Michigan near Clark Avenue.  

Family, friends and members of the Detroit Police Department came to that location Wednesday holding candles to reflect on a life gone too soon. 

For Officer Weathers' mom it was her first time at the scene since losing her son. 

"We're a little taken back but we needed to be here today," said Chonita Johnson, Weathers' mom.

Leaning on her son's widow Keisha for support, Chonita Johnson says her son still lives on through his service to the community.  

"We decided to have the vigil today because we want everyone to remember who he was, what he was, and what he did," she said.

The family says Officer Weathers had an impact on so many lives because he dared to dream. That's why last year they started the “I Dream With Darren Foundation 

"That's what the foundation is to help continue the work that he started.

"We have something coming for the 2019 graduates so we're working toward scholarships," said Chonita. 

Away at a conference Detroit Police Chief James Craig was unable to attend the service, but his department says Officer Weathers was a rising star on the police force.

"Officer Weathers did not die - and we did not lose him in vain," said 1st Assit. Chief Lashinda Stare, DPD. "He has a legacy with the citizens of Detroit and especially his brothers and sisters." 

Weathers' family says they still don't have a lot of answers about what led to the fatal accident. But for now they want their focus to be keeping Darrren's dream alive 

For more information:  https://dreamwithdarren.com/