Roll of Honor
Biography
Derod had several hobbies that he enjoyed. He was an avid gardener from a young age having been taught about horticulture from a neighbor. He maintained and landscaped beautiful flower gardens wherever he lived. For many years, Derod collected stamps; however, collecting American coins was his passion. He also liked to watch old Western television shows and movies. Derod had a strong faith and belief in God. He believed in taking care of his physical self by running and using holistic medicines. Derod began his career at Playboy Enterprises in 1975 and retired after 21 years of dedicated employment. He truly enjoyed his time working in the security department and that is where he met several of his lifelong friends. Derod’s second career was with the Chicago Police Department as a Patrol Officer, which began in November, 1996. During his 20 years, he was recognized many times for his service and received numerous Honorable Mentions and was Officer of the Year. He retired in January, 2017. In 1984, Derod met Brenda Whitworth and they were married on October 2, 1988. In April, 1995, their twin daughters were born. They were truly the light of his life. He enjoyed playing with them in the yard and taking them to the park when they were young; attending ice skating and cheerleading competitions as they got older; and always sharing his knowledge of stamps, coins, and finances with them. Family was an important part of his life. He enjoyed hosting family brunches and thanksgiving dinners for extended family and friends; there was always room at the table and there was always laughter. Derod, you are gone, but will never be forgotten. You will truly be missed by all.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-IL-0A590E61- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Derod. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
Officer Derod Henderson served with the Chicago Police Department.
Thank you for your service. We will always remember your sacrifice.
You belong on this wall. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, brother.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Derod A. Henderson is one of 256 officers honored for deaths connected to the weight of the job across the full record of this memorial — 0.8% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In IL, 11 of 1,318 officers were honored for deaths connected to the weight of the job — 0.8% of this state's fallen.
At Chicago Police Department, 5 of 571 officers on record were honored for deaths connected to the weight of the job — 0.9% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Suicide compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Derod A. Henderson's cause is highlighted.
How Derod A. Henderson Compares
When Suicide Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Suicide deaths across the full memorial record. Derod A. Henderson is highlighted in Mar.
Others Who Wore This Badge
570 officers from Chicago Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
