Whether it was being a father, a son or serving his community as a law enforcement officer, Michael Brian Duffy was passionate in everything he did. Exemplifying dedication and integrity throughout his life is just one of the many ways those closest to Duffy describe the sergeant with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
“We just want to say how proud we are of Michael,” his parents Kevin and Christine Duffy told the Highlands Ranch Herald. “He was a wonderful son, brother, father and a dedicated officer.”
Duffy, 43, passed away in his home on the morning of April 18 while recovering from a heart attack.
“Mike’s passing is a tremendous loss for our entire community,” Sheriff Darren Weekly said in a statement.
A 22-year veteran of the department, many knew him as “Mike,” and his warmth and zest for life touched everyone he encountered.
The blond-haired and blue eyed Duffy was born in Denver and spent his entire life calling Colorado home. He grew up in Castle Rock and graduated from Douglas County High School.
Duffy had a passion for sports, playing football and baseball. Coached by his father and uncle, he was the quarterback for his football team. His baseball teammates nicknamed him “flash” because he was the fastest runner on the team.
Duffy’s father, Chief Kevin Duffy, has been with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office for over 35 years and Duffy followed in his fathers footsteps.
Duffy got his start with the sheriff’s office in 2002, working in detentions. He moved to patrol in 2003 before becoming a detective, working in the Special Victims Unit and the Major Crimes/Person Crimes Unit.
“He was one of the best investigators I’d ever seen,” said Weekly. “He also took great pride in finding truth and bringing justice for victims. His career was on the rise, and he had a bright future ahead of him.”
Duffy was promoted to corporal in 2019 and rose to the rank of sergeant in 2021. Then in 2023, he transferred to Internal Affairs.
His colleagues, friends and family are mourning the loss of Duffy, whose camaraderie left a lasting impression on all those around him.
“Life was a puzzle that he knew how to solve,” Duffy’s sister, Jami, said in a statement. “He walked through his life with certainty, logic, love and compassion.”
Duffy leaves behind his 14-year-old daughter, Lyndy, and “his best bro,” 11 year-old son Connor, who will miss “the best dad in the whole world.”
In his obituary, it says Duffy’s serious nature was overruled by the joys of fatherhood, “where he would sing loudly, wrestled gently and laugh without restraint and love unconditionally.”
Duffy is also survived by Lyndy and Connor’s mom, Milly Wells, their grandma, “Moppy” Wendy Martin, and his large, loving family.
“We also want to thank the department, county and the community for all the love and support given to our family during these tragic times,” said Kevin and Christine.
A memorial service for Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Michael “Mike” Duffy will be held at 10 a.m. on May 3 at Southeast Christian Church, 9560 Jordan Road in Parker.