[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 126 (Tuesday, August 1, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1577-E1578]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                 IN MEMORY OF WILLIAM ``BOONE'' DARDEN

                                 ______


                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 1, 1995
  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on July 22, Florida lost one of 
its finest citizens. I rise today to commemorate the life of community 
leader William Darden. Affectionately known as Boone, Mr. Darden had a 
long and distinguished career in law enforcement and public service. 
His career culminated in being named police chief in his hometown of 
Riviera Beach, becoming the first African-American police chief of a 
major city in Florida.
  Born in Atlanta, Mr. Darden began his service to his country as a 
military policeman in World War II. Following the war, he became one of 
the first African-American policemen hired by the West Palm Beach 
Police Department. Throughout his life, he continued opening doors 
closed to minorities. When he rose to the position of lieutenant, he 
became the highest ranking African-American police officer in the 
South. In 1971, he was called in by Riviera Beach city leaders to help 
quell the devastating violence and calm the atmosphere of 

[[Page E1578]]
anger created by the integration of public schools. Using his 
considerable mediation skills, Mr. Darden single-handedly brought peace 
to his fractured community. He was promptly named police chief of 
Riviera Beach and set to work cleaning up and revitalizing the chaotic 
police force which at the time was a symbol of racial division.
  A model of goodwill and a hero to many African-American youth, he was 
reknown for his community work with troubled children. His popularity 
spread across Florida and was widely regarded as a major force in State 
politics. He was the vice chair of the State Democratic Affirmative 
Action Committee and subsequently rose to hold a seat on the national 
executive committee of the Democratic Party. Having close ties to the 
Carter White House, Mr. Darden participated in a diplomatic trip to 
Algeria at the behest of President Carter. After a remarkable rise from 
patrolman to chief, Mr. Darden retired in 1983 to devote his time to 
his family. As well as being a respected community leader, Mr. Darden 
was a devoted family man, and he is survived by his wife, Rose, his 
daughter, Kimberly, two sons, William, Jr., and Darell; and a 
grandchild, Dominique.
  A pioneer, peacemaker, and a dear friend, Boone Darden was an 
exceptional man. Mr. Speaker, Florida has lost one of its great 
citizens with the passing of William ``Boone'' Darden. His courageous 
life is an inspiration to all of us, and a blueprint of the American 
dream. We can only hope that his life emboldens those that face their 
own mountains to climb.


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