Fallen NMSP officer Darian Jarrott remembered on anniversary of his death in line of duty

DEMING – In an open-air ceremony Friday morning, New Mexico State Police Chief Tim Johnson referred to fallen NMSP officer Darian Jarrott as "one of the best our society has to offer."

The commemoration fell on the anniversary of Jarrott's death in the line of duty. Jarrott was shot and killed by a motorist on Feb. 4, 2021 after conducting a traffic stop east of Deming while assisting Homeland Security Investigations. Jarrott was 28 years old.

The anniversary served as an official unveiling of the signposts that will mark an 18-mile highway memorial corridor on Interstate 10 dedicated to Jarrott. State transportation commissioners unanimously approved the memorial last July.

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The New Mexico State Police Officer Darian Jarrott Memorial Corridor extends from mile posts 84.8 to 103.1 in Luna County. A roadside memorial with flags and personal memorabilia sits near the spot where Jarrott was killed.

Friday's observance took place in front of the NMSP's Deming station, with folding chairs arranged in the driveway and parking lot along with a heated tent, where Jarrott's family and other guests were seated.

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New Mexico State Police officers arranged themselves in straight rows with black masks covering their faces, and were joined by officers from neighboring agencies, including the Las Cruces Police Department and Doña Ana County Sheriff's Office.

Lt. Gov. Howie Morales forwarded greetings from Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham and local state lawmakers who remained in Santa Fe for the 30-day legislative session.

In his address, Morales underscored Jarrott's professionalism and dedication to public service while paying tribute to the law enforcement officers present, speaking of daily hazards in the line of duty. He and Johnson paid tribute to Jarrott while offering comfort to his colleagues and immediate family.

"We recognize the sacrifices that his whole family have given," Morales said in his address. "We recognize and share that they are not alone. They have familia — each one of us."

Jarrott grew up in Lordsburg and completed a bachelor's degree in administration of justice at Western New Mexico University. He had been a certified law enforcement officer since 2014, initially working with the state Motor Transportation Division and joining the state police in 2015.

Family members present included Jarrott's parents, his four children and his widow, Gabriella Jarrott, who is suing the agency, claiming Jarrott was sent into a hazardous situation involving a suspect known to be dangerous without proper backup or information.

Johnson said the NMSP's District 12 station would add Jarrott's name to its exterior wall in the coming weeks.

"Although the dedication of a highway or a building seems to pale in comparison of him being here it's important to know that it will be impossible for anyone to forget him," Johnson said.

Algernon D'Ammassa can be reached at 575-541-5451, adammassa@lcsun-news.com or @AlgernonWrites on Twitter.

This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Fallen NMSP officer Darian Jarrott remembered on anniversary of death