By Rich Freedman
Vallejo Times-Herald
VALLEJO, Calif. — It’s been two months since four Oakland police officers were killed in the line of duty. Yet, while most people simply return to their daily lives, that March 21 tragedy weighs heavily on Steve Darden’s mind.
As a 13-year Vallejo cop, Darden’s probably no different than many in law enforcement.
“When I heard that four were killed, it was numbing,” Darden said. “That’s the only word I can think of to describe how I felt. To kill four police officers is mind boggling. You can’t help but think, ‘That could be me. That can happen here.’”
Darden needed to be pro-active and, as a recorded rap/R&B artist, he is. Darden’s arranged with online music supplier Baymixes.com to offer his latest CD, “Darden: Walk Away...” for $10, with $5 going to the trust funds of the families of the slain officers. While supplies last, Darden said he’s also including his debut CD, “It’s Ruff Out There” at no cost. Baymixes.com owner/operator Carlos Solorzano pays for the shipping.
“I grew up in Vallejo and when I was going to high school, the police always made sure I didn’t get into trouble,” Solorzano said. “I have a lot of respect for law enforcement.”
Solorzano said he and assistants Baric Bergerson and Heather Pinto hope to put in a lot of hours cranking out the CDs for shipping all over the United States.
“The music shows that just because you’re a cop, it doesn’t mean you can’t like hip hop,” Solorzano said. “And you don’t need cuss words.”
Darden said there’s no deadline on the fund-raising effort.
“We’ll do it as long as people want to help,” he said. “We’re hoping to send as much as we can to the families.”
Darden said the project gives civilian supporters -- and perhaps officers from around the country -- a chance to help the late officers’ families and “get some good music in return.”
“I think there are a lot of officers, especially ones who attended the funeral, who would jump at helping,” said Darden.
More than 20,000 attended the Oracle Arena funeral of Sgt. Mark Dunakin, Officer John Hege, Sgt. Ervin Romans and Sgt. Daniel Sakai. About another 10,000 watched the proceedings next door on the big screens at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum.
“It was heart-wrenching,” Darden said. “Of course, you feel the loss of those officers. Then your heart goes out to the wives and the kids.”
The CD project, “is my way of being able to do something,” Darden said. “This is something I wanted to do.”
Kenny Ross, owner of Team Superstores, sponsored Darden’s first recording and applauds the officer for his fund-raising efforts.
“I think Steve is a genuine guy who really cares and wants to make a difference,” Darden said. “Even if it is one person, it is worth it to him. I admire him.”
While many tunes of “It’s Ruff Out There” revolve around Darden’s police career, his follow-up CD is more personal, including a touching song with his own daughter, “Daddy’s Girl.”
“There’s nothing obscene about the music. It’s all tastefully done,” said Darden, adding that he’s been able to reach out to young people in the Vallejo community because of the CDs.
“Being able to reach someone who seems unreachable is awesome. I’m reaching kids through the music,” Darden said. “It opens up dialogue with people who may not be willing to talk to the police.”
Darden said he would never produce music that would embarrass the department.
“I’m true to my profession. I’m not a rogue cop who wants to be Suge Knight,” Darden said. “I love music, but I always love and respect my career.”
To listen to examples of Darden’s songs, go to www.myspace.com/Darden007. To order Darden’s CDs to support the families of the slain Oakland officers, go to baymixes.com.
Copyright 2009 Vallejo Times-Herald