Service set for Glendale Heights canine officer

A “celebration of life” for the Glendale Heights police officer who died after a yearlong battle with brain cancer is set for Sunday.

Donald Darby, a 14-year veteran of the force died Tuesday with his family at his side, including his trusted partner — Lucky, the department’s only canine.

Darby, 38, is survived by his wife, Amy, children Caden, 8, and Andrew, 5, and parents Leonica and Donald.

The service will be held from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18, at The Westin in Lombard. In lieu of flowers donations can be made through “Friends for Don Darby,” C/O FBI 4343 Commerce Court, Lisle 60532.

Darby died of stage four glioblastoma, the most common and aggressive type of brain tumor.

As a canine officer, Darby not only went out on criminal investigations with Lucky, a German shepherd, but also made frequent visits to local schools to provide demonstrations.

Deputy Chief Tom Bialas said Darby frequently would put on a “bite sleeve” during an “aggressive drill” with Lucky.

“They were tremendous together and great with kids in the community,” Bialas said.

Before he became a canine officer, Darby represented the Glendale Heights Police Department as an undercover officer in the DuPage Metropolitan Enforcement Group, the countywide narcotics investigation unit.

He worked his way up through the department after being hired as a patrol officer.

A moment of silence was observed Tuesday afternoon outside the department headquarters.