Roll of Honor
Incident
Officer Darsee was shot and killed by a suspect believed to be a watchman at a speakeasy at 7567 Vernor Street. His body was taken to a barn at 5500 Tarnow Street and dumped there. The watchman was arrested, charged with murder, and acquitted. The watchman said he thought he was a hi-jacker. Officer Darsee had served with the Detroit Police Department for 4 years. He had served as a U.S. Marine during World War 1.
Survivors
He was survived by his wife, three children, his parents and a brother.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-MI-763448AC- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I served 1985 to 1993. You served too, before the badge - different uniform, same idea. You go where you are sent and you do not get to pick the call.
Police Officer Darsee gave the Detroit Police Department 4 years.
Thank you for your service to the Detroit community, and for your service before it. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Military Service
Walter L. Darsee served in the the United States military before joining law enforcement.
Police Officer Walter L. Darsee is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,759 officers honored here.
In MI, 426 of 718 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 59.3% of this state's fallen. That is 59.3 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Detroit Police Department, 177 of 250 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 70.8% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Walter L. Darsee's cause is highlighted.
How Walter L. Darsee Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Walter L. Darsee is highlighted in Jun.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Walter L. Darsee was killed by gun.
Incident Location
Military Service
Walter L. Darsee served in the United States military before joining law enforcement.
Visit Walter L. Darsee’s page on salute.nw →
His full service record — units, decorations, where he served — is kept on salute.nw.
Others Who Wore This Badge
249 officers from Detroit Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
