Kendra S. Horn: “today the City of Long Beach, California, mourns the loss of a fine young police officer who was brutally murdered last…”

“today the City of Long Beach, California, mourns the loss of a fine young police officer who was brutally murdered last Saturday night in a gang attack that also wounded his partner. Officer Daryle Black was 33 years of age when he died in the sudden and unprovoked attack that also wounded his colleague, Officer Rick Delfin. The murder of Officer Black reminds all of us that law and order are not automatic. Safe streets and peaceful neighborhoods are created by those willing to risk their own safety, even their lives, for our community. Officer Black cared deeply about serving others, and he served with a quiet courage and a steady professionalism. His loss is one we will all feel for many years from now. Officer Black was a former United States Marine, a 6-year veteran of the Long Beach Police Department. He was assigned to a special gang enforcement unit. Officer Black was a very soft spoken person. Some of his colleagues said he was a gentle giant whose love for police work gave him the drive to risk his life on the streets every day. He will be remembered by his many friends and colleagues for his professional dedication and commitment to protecting his community.”