Deputy Darren Almendarez, 51, a native Houstonian, entered into eternal rest on March 31, 2022. He was born on August 15, 1970, to Mary Helen Martinez and Abraham Almendarez, Sr.
Darren graduated from Austin High School and attended Houston Community and San Jacinto College. Darren attended the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Police Academy, Class B1-99, and graduated in 1999 and later earned his Master Peace Officer Certification.
Darren had a great 23 year career with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, working as a Patrolman in District 3, a Field Training Officer, a Certified Instructor, he was an Investigator for the Multi-Agency Gang Task Force, which included the Federal Bureau of Investigations and as an Auto Theft Task Force Investigator. Darren made the ultimate sacrifice doing the job he loved, serving the citizen of Harris County and protecting his family. Darren once said, “I’m not going to say I’m the best but I am dang good at what I do and I am proud of it.” He really was the best, anyone who ever worked with him would agree with that. Darren would go the extra mile to help a victim get justice or just lend a helping hand to someone in need.
In his free time Darren enjoyed salt water fishing, traveling, barbequing, working in his yard, woodworking, and he was a football fan cheering for both the Houston Texans and the Dallas Cowboys.
Darren met Flor in 2010 at an East Aldine District Meeting and they later married. Darren was an avid animal lover who cherished his fur babies as well, Nico, Bambi, Dale, Pippa, Stella and Petunia. Darren is proceeded in death by his father Abraham Almendarez, Sr., his brother, Abraham Almendarez, Jr. and two rainbow babies, one lovingly named Nicholas.
Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of eight years, Flor M. Zarzoza Almendarez; daughters, Andrea Almendarez and Kayla Rios; son, Danny Rios; mother, Mary Helen Martinez; five sisters, three brothers; numerous nephews and nieces; numerous extended family members and of course his Brothers and Sisters in Blue.