Sheriff: Como VFD chief, secretary arrested

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  • Darren Dwayne Harris Courtesy HCSO
    Darren Dwayne Harris Courtesy HCSO
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Como fire chief Darren Harris and former Como chief Roy Darby were arrested on charges of theft of property, according to Hopkins County Sheriff's Office records. 

Harris, 53, is charged with theft of property between $2500 and $30,000. Darby, 78, is charged with theft between $1500 and $20,000 according to HCSO records. 

Texas Rangers and Hopkins County Fire Marshal were involved in the investigation, according to a release from HCSO Public Information Officer Angela Price. HCSO was not involved in the investigation, according to Hopkins County Sheriff Lewis Tatum.

Darby currently serves as secretary and treasurer, according to the group’s register. The volunteer department was honored Feb. 25 of this year in the Hopkins County Commissioner's Court for 44 years of service, for which Darby and Harris were present to accept a signed proclamation. 

Harris has previous charges dating back to 1989, the most recent of which was in March 2019 for cruelty to livestock animal/ neglect, according to records. Darby does not have any previous charges according to records.

According the HSCO press release, the Como VFD Station has been temporarily taken out of service until further notice pending investigation. According to Hopkins County dispatch, the only people authorized to open it are county judge Robert Newsom or the Hopkins County fire marshal. All calls for service will be answered by the Hopkins County Fire Department and other neighboring volunteer fire departments.

Hopkins County fire chief Andy Endsley was not available for comment.