Memorial Fund Launched for Family of Codington County Deputy David “Dave” Curtis

Steve Jurrens
Jul 6
2 min read

Smiling older couple hugging outdoors in an autumn park, with warm golden foliage in the background.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - A verified memorial fund has been launched to support Darce, the partner of longtime law‑enforcement officer David “Dave” Curtis, who passed away unexpectedly on July 4, 2026.

The David Curtis Memorial Fund, created July 6, offers donors and community members a direct way to provide assistance, condolences, and stability during a difficult time. Organizers say the fundraiser is intended to help with immediate expenses, future planning, and the unforeseen burdens that come with losing a loved one without warning.

Curtis was a familiar face in Codington County’s law‑enforcement community. He began his career in 1988 with the South Dakota Highway Patrol before joining the Codington County Sheriff’s Office, where he served as a Deputy Sheriff for 10 years. After retiring in 2017, he later returned to the Sheriff’s Office to provide courthouse security — a role that brought him back into daily contact with the public.

Curtis earned “numerous awards for his outstanding service,” and colleagues described him as someone who made a meaningful impact on everyone he encountered.

A Benefit Built on Community Support

The memorial fund is hosted through Fund the First, a verified platform commonly used to support first responders and their families. Donations go directly to Darce, ensuring transparent and secure assistance.

Residents who wish to contribute can do so here:

David Curtis Memorial Fund: https://fundthefirst.com/campaign/david-curtis-memorial-fund-ccaq8r

Community members have already begun sharing condolences and memories, emphasizing Curtis’s decades of service and the kindness he showed throughout his career.

Author’s note: On a personal note, Curtis had a nickname for me — “Scoop.” Anytime I walked into the courthouse, he would call it out, and it always brought a smile to my face. I love that nickname, and I’ll always appreciate the short conversations while going through security and his kindness.