MOURNERS PAY RESPECTS TO SLAIN DEPUTY

Riverside County deputy killed Jan. 13 was EX-SDPD cop

The Riverside County sheriff’s deputy who was shot and killed on Jan. 13 was honored Saturday morning at a funeral service where he was remembered as an exceptionally kind and dedicated public servant.

The black hearse that carried the casket of Deputy Darnell Calhoun wound its way through a 50-mile route to the Abundant Living Family Church in Rancho Cucamonga, as mourners lined the roads to pay their respects to the slain officer.

The 30-year-old deputy was shot while responding to an “unknown trouble” call at a residence in the unincorporated community of Lakeland Village, according to the Sheriff ’s Department. He was transported to a local hospital where he later died, officials said.

The suspect, 42-year-old

Jesse Navarro, was shot by a second officer who arrived at the scene, according to officials. He remains in critical condition at Inland Valley Medical Center in Wildomar.

Church and police leaders recalled Calhoun as faithful and compelled by an ever-present sense of duty.

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco said Calhoun often expressed concerns that he had not done enough for someone while responding to a call, and wanted to know how he could better serve the people he encountered.

“By all accounts, Deputy Calhoun exemplified what we want our deputies to be: strong, kind, compassionate,” Bianco said.

Calhoun spent two years with the San Diego Police Department before he was hired by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in February 2022.

San Diego Police Chief David Nisleit paid tribute to

Calhoun at the service.

“Even though Darnell’s time with the San Diego Police Department was short, it was actually huge,” Nisleit told the gathering. “He made us a better city, he made us a better department, he made us better as officers every single day watching his lead on how he dealt with people, how he dealt with members of our department.

“I want to thank the entire Calhoun family for sharing Darnell with us for those two and a half years because his service to the city of San Diego and the San Diego Police Department was phenomenal.

“My deepest, deepest condolences for your loss. Let’s add 2,000 more aunts and uncles from the San Diego Police Department that will always be here for you,” Nisleit said.

Calhoun leaves behind two young children and a pregnant widow.

GINA FERAZZI LOS ANGELES TIMES Ancelin Armijo salutes during the funeral procession for slain Deputy Darnell Calhoun on Saturday.