Hundreds pay tribute to fallen deputy in candlelight vigil

A crowd of hundreds filled Town Square Park in Murrieta Wednesday night for a candlelight vigil in memory of fallen deputy Darnell Calhoun.

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and Murrieta Mayor Lisa DeForest addressed the crowd before the park lights were dimmed, candles were lit and “Amazing Grace” was sung. After the vigil, many residents made a walking processional to a local restaurant owned by the Calhoun family.

Calhoun, who joined the department last February, was shot and killed during a call for service in Lake Elsinore on Friday.

“For all of us, we want to have faith that we’re here for a better purpose,” Bianco told the crowd. “If you don’t have faith, you’re doing something for nothing.

“For Darnell to leave the comfort of his wife and children, put on a uniform and go to work, sacrificing his family to help someone else’s, is something most people can’t fathom. He loved his job. He loved helping people.”

The outpouring of support from Murrieta residents was a continuation of the love and respect shown days earlier, when thousands pulled over on the freeway and lined city streets to show their respect as Calhoun’s body was transported from Inland Valley Hospital to the Coroner’s Office in Perris. A similar vigil was held Tuesday night at the Sheriff’s Department office.