Monroe County Kennel Honors Officer Darrian Young

MONROE COUNTY, Michigan – A deceased Monroe County animal control officer’s love and passion for animals will be forever remembered.

On the morning of Friday, June 18, a dedication ceremony was held in Darrian Young’s honor at the Monroe County Animal Shelter where she worked.

Young, 24, was on duty driving a Monroe County Animal Control Division vehicle when she was struck by a suspected drunk driver on Thursday, June 4, 2020. The incident occurred circa 8 a.m. at the intersection of South Custer Rd. and Raisinville Rd. She died of her injuries a day later.

According to Michigan State Police, Michele Anne Dropulich of Hudson has been arrested for homicide/second degree murder.

Young was also a member of the mounted division and loved horses from an early age.

“Darrian loved animals; horses, cats, dogs, pigs, she had it all. She was big on 4-H. She loved her job,” said her father, Aaron Young.

“I just took her to a friend of Tammy’s and put her on a horse and from that day on she started showing when she was five,” Darrian’s grandmother Pat Kirby said.

Young had a vision to improve animal care at the shelter. Generous donations and fundraising made the $25,000 vision a reality. Six dog runs and a training area were dedicated in Young’s honor on Friday.

“She went above and beyond her day-to-day responsibilities to care for the animals, not just at the shelter, but in the community and as a result was an excellent representative for the sheriff’s office,” the Monroe County Sheriff said. , Troy Goodnough.

A plaque and a tree in his memory were also placed outside the animal shelter building.

“It’s just going to keep his memory alive and help animals and people who want to adopt animals. It makes it easier for them to come and visit the animals,” Aaron Young said.