The Rockhurst University community is deeply saddened by the loss of Officer Darrick Martin, who passed away on September 5, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer. For 27 years, Martin was a cornerstone of the Safety and Security Department, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues, faculty and students alike. 

Known for his kindness and warm sense of humor, he often joked that he, along with Officer Zenja Roe, Officer Brue Greenfield and Sergeant Aleksandar Zdjelar, were the four pillars of the department having been there the longest.

“27 years here. He really knew the neighborhood. He always had really good insights on the neighborhood,” Zdjelar said.

Those insights reflected Martin’s deep connection to the people and the community he served. He was not simply a protector, but he was a familiar face, someone who understood the pulse of the neighborhood and who built trust with everyone he encountered. 

During his time at Rockhurst, there was a lot of progress in campus security, and he was a part of that movement.

“He brought wisdom and knowledge to this department. He trained people. It wasn’t the safest. Campus wasn’t always the safest place, but it’s safe now,” Officer Roe said.  

While security’s goal is always crime prevention, Martin was always ready to handle any kind of situation, and he did so with an impressive level of ease.

“Any calls that he responded to. I wouldn’t say he was happy, but always pleasant. Pleasant to talk to, and would de-escalate the situation, especially with students. He would just talk to them,” Zdjelar said.

Martin’s approach to security was not just about keeping order—it was about fostering understanding and compassion within the community he served. 

Martin and Roe were partners in crime, or better said in crime prevention. The pair grew to be best friends bonding over the job and their shared love of God and scripture.

“We were ‘work wife’ and ‘work husband.’ You’d see him and ask where I was or see me and ask about him,” Roe said.

Whether sharing a laugh during work or discussing faith after hours, Martin and Roe’s friendship was a constant source of strength for both of them. Their connection, rooted in faith and service, was one of the many things that made Martin’s presence so special at Rockhurst. Roe and Martin’s friendship, however, extended far beyond their working partnership becoming more like family over the years.

“He was my best friend. We had a brother and sister bond. We would even say ‘love you brother, love you sister,’” Roe said.

They weren’t just colleagues—they were chosen family, supporting each other through every challenge life had to offer.  

When Roe let her family know of Martin’s passing their support and kind messages were a testament to who he was.

“Everybody had a connection with him,” Roe said.

Martin’s kindness and wisdom extended far beyond the walls of Rockhurst. She recalled when her niece was about to start the police academy and how he was able to ease her anxieties about it.  

Martin was known for his humor. He always had a story to tell and a laugh to share.

“We had fun times. We laughed, we joked. He had a good sense of humor. The faculty and staff always liked him. He made them feel safe, and he always had a story to tell,” Roe said.

It was not just everyday tales Martin told. He especially loved to share scripture, weaving his deep faith into his conversations, and of course, he never missed a chance to brag about his family and his beloved dog, Bentley. 

Martin left a lasting impression not only on Rockhurst’s campus but also on countless lives he touched along the way. His ability to bring both humor and heart to every interaction made him more than just a familiar face—he was someone people looked forward to seeing, knowing they’d leave with a smile and perhaps a bit of wisdom.

“He was definitely a good soul,” Zdjelar said. “There’s not another person who could fill his shoes.”

Martin’s legacy is not just in the years of service he gave, but in the genuine care he showed everyone he encountered. His presence will be deeply missed, but the memories of his laughter, his stories and the love he shared will remain in the hearts of all who knew him, a reminder of the impact one person can make when they live with such grace and generosity.