Gateway Church
Only one Grapevine police officer has ever been killed in the line of duty, and Gateway Church will be honoring him and his legacy this weekend.
After serving with the United States Marine Corps and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, officer Darren Glenn Medling was hired by the Grapevine Police Department in May 2000. According to GoGrapevine.com, Medlin was a soft-spoken man and a gentle giant that faithfully served his community.
Gateway Church
Early in the morning on June 12, 2004, Medlin was struck and killed by a drunk driver while conducting a traffic stop. The Grapevine Police Department has served the Medlin family for the past 15 years ever since Medlin’s death, according to a media release. This weekend, Gateway Church is honoring the Medlin family and their sacrifices.
Gateway Church will honor Medlin and all first responders during the church’s annual Patriot Day weekend ceremonies. Patriot Day is designated on September 11 and serves as a time for those to honor and recognize first responders’ commitments and remember those who were killed in the September 11, 2001 attacks. A video dedication will be included in Gateway’s tribute.
“My hope is that this story can help our department continue to honor and recognize those who have gone before us,” Grapevine Police Sgt. Bobby Smith says in the media release. “This video can help keep Darren’s memory and his sacrifice alive for decades to come — for those who follow behind us.”
The Medlin family and Grapevine Police Officers will attend one of the tribute services at 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 7 at the Southlake campus. Visitors can attend Gateway Church’s services all weekend long at 700 Blessed Way.