Darron Burks. Photo by Gary D. Scott
Lake Highlands High School graduate Darron Burks spent 16 years as a math teacher and coach in Pleasant Grove. Though he had laudable success with students at Texans Can Academy, a charter school focusing on dropout recovery, he told friends and family he felt called to become a police officer and serve the community he considered home.
Burks, 46, completed the police academy last December and was working the third shift Thursday night when he pulled into the parking lot of the For Oak Cliff community center. Just after 10 p.m., he was approached by Corey Cobb-Bey, 30, who spoke with Burks and recorded the encounter with a cell phone. Cobb-Bey then pulled out a handgun and executed Burks as he sat in his vehicle.
According to police, a DPD dispatcher noticed an unusual transmission from Burks’ radio and sent officers to check on him. The suspect, meanwhile, retrieved a shotgun from his vehicle and waited for more officers to arrive.
DPD Senior Corporal Jamie Farmer pulled into the parking lot at 10:11 p.m. and was hit once in the leg. Senior Corporal Karissa David showed up one minute later and was shot once in the face. Additional arriving patrols chased Cobb-Bey down I-35 into Lewisville. When he exited the vehicle and pointed the shotgun at police, six officers fired their weapons, striking Cobb-Bey. He died at the scene.
Farmer was released from the hospital Friday. David remains in critical but stable condition.
Burks attended Skyview Elementary, Forest Meadow Junior High and LHHS (class of 1998), where he played football under legendary coach Jerry Gayden. Betty Gayden, who shared memories of Burks’ days playing for her husband, was one of many posting heartfelt tributes on social media.
“Sweet soul and special young man. The team called him ‘Preacher’, and he always led the team in prayer before and after games. Loved everyone and everyone he met always got a big smile and a hug. He will be greatly missed.”
Richardson ISD trustee Rachel McGowan was a classmate and friend of Burks at LHHS, and she called him a “public servant 3X.”
“He was a teacher, cub scout leader and officer. He was a man of faith, eagerly ready to always pray with and for others. He was different. He knew he was special. He was a young man who believed in always doing the right thing.”
“The LH Community has suffered a great loss. The city of Dallas has lost the best! My heart is broken for Mr. Officer Darron Burks’ mother and family. This August Darron celebrated his 46th birthday,” McGowan wrote. “He played football and was a great student and most importantly leader.”
“He was the epitome of what an officer should exemplify,” McGowan continued. “He was exactly what our communities need most. Darron made a difference in the lives of people around him daily and was determined to continue the work serving as an officer. Darron had the natural ability to make those who felt unwelcome, feel welcomed. He was a humble servant and man of faith. He will never be forgotten but greatly missed. This is senseless and unacceptable. I pray our lawmakers will do more to create tougher gun laws.”
Burks went on to study at Paul Quinn College, where he joined Omega Psi Phi fraternity and developed a network of dedicated brothers.
“They asked who would be our chapter chaplain,” one said. “It was Burks. He is the one who would be standing and speaking. He would be the one that would pray.”
Burks helped teach an adult leadership course at Philmont Scout Camp, supporting those who would guide young minds.
“Regardless of what uniform, Darron Burks was a true servant leader,” Gary D. Scott shared on social media. “He cared about his fellow man and his community. Kim and I are heartbroken this morning, hearing he was killed in the line of duty last night. Darron served faithfully as a Troop Guide on Wood Badge 122 at Philmont. He was a great man and friend. Rest in Peace, brother. You were one of a kind.”
District 10 Council member Kathy Stewart paid tribute to Burks after his death.
“The loss of Dallas Police Officer Darron Burks hits our community especially hard today, as he grew up in Lake Highlands and graduated from Lake Highlands High School. His love for public service was already evident in his prior career as a teacher. More recently, he made the honorable decision to pursue a career in law enforcement, graduating from our police academy just last year. Please join me in praying for Officer Burks’ family as they navigate the most difficult journey that lies ahead. Please also join me in praying for our two wounded officers and the entire Dallas Police Department. We stand with you, we support you, and we deeply value your service and sacrifice.”
Officials at For Oak Cliff, the nonprofit which operates the community center and serves thousands of families each year, also released a statement.
“Last night, For Oak Cliff received the devastating news that Dallas police officer Darron Burks tragically lost his life, following a shooting that occurred late after hours in the parking lot of our community campus. Two other officers were also injured, with one currently in critical condition. Our hearts go out to the families, loved ones, and colleagues of these brave officers during this incredibly difficult time.
“While this tragic incident occurred at our campus, we want to emphasize that it was a random and isolated event. We are fully cooperating with local authorities as they continue their investigation. For Oak Cliff remains steadfast in our commitment to serving our community and will not be deterred from our mission. We will continue our work with compassion, impact and resilience, even in the face of such heartbreak.”
“Work to continue his vision,” urged District 4 Dallas City Council member Carolyn King Arnold. “His vision of service to young people. His service to making a mark here in this city.”
The Dallas skyline was lit up in blue Friday night, and Mayor Eric Johnson asked that flags be flown at half-staff in Burks’ honor.
Darron Burks serving as a Troop Guide at Philmont Scout Camp. Photo by Gary D. Scott.
