6:45am | A memorial service honoring late Fire Engineer Darren Rockett has been scheduled for November 18, according to a statement by Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Reeb.

Though the service is to take place sharply at 11:00am, organizers and family ask that attendees arrive at 10:00am since there will be a precession beforehand. The memorial will take place at Cottonwood Church, 4505 Katella Avenue in Los Alamitos.

For any other inquiries please contact Rich Brandt at (562) 900-2784 or [email protected]. For additional updates please visit http://www.lbff.org.

November 10, 12:45pm | It is with great sadness that the Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) announces the death of active duty Fire Engineer Darren Rockett. Engineer Rockett was born on November 10, 1963.  He graduated from Van Nuys High School in 1981 and attended Santa Ana College where he studied Fire Technology. He married his wife Jeanne on July 27, 1989 and together they have been raising their family in Long Beach since 1992. 

Engineer Rockett, a 14-year-veteran of the LBFD, was appointed to the department on September 22, 1997. He served as a Firefighter at Station 10 and 11, was promoted to Fire Engineer on June 6, 2002 and  then served at Fire Stations 11-C and 18-C. At the time of his death, Fire Engineer Darren Rockett was assigned to the Fire Prevention Bureau, where his chief responsibility was being a life safety inspector for all high-rise buildings in the City of Long Beach. During his career at the LBFD, Engineer Rockett was recognized for his leadership of the LBFD Rescue Youth Program, where he had a positive influence on the lives of dozens of at-risk teenagers.

Engineer Rockett was awarded nine LBFD Commendations, two LBFD Unit Citations, two Los Angeles County Unit Citations, and one Los Angeles County Meritorious Award. He was named LBFD Firefighter of the year in 2005.

Pastor Wayne Chaney Jr. appointed Darren as a Deacon at the Antioch Church of Long Beach. Engineer Rockett had a passion for serving in his Church where he influenced people with his warmth, sincerity, and his love of Christian principles. 
 
Engineer Rockett succumbed to an injury at Los Alamitos Medical Center on November 6th, 2011. His mother Sydney Harston preceded him in death. His wife Jeanne, his daughters Tiffany, Alyse, Sydney, Daryn, and his father Victor Rockett survive him.

A Memorial Service is scheduled for November 18, 2011 with a location to be determined.