In September of 2024, after a couple of weeks of not feeling well and after numerous tests, Mike was diagnosed with Stage 4 esophageal cancer and it quickly spread to his liver. He was admitted to the hospital on October 25th and made the decision on October 26th to be admitted to Hospice. After 2 days in Hospice he passed away of esophageal cancer on October 29th 2024.
Kent's Heart & Hope Foundation along with the Tucson Police Department have set up a fund to receive donations to support his family in this incredibly difficult time. 100% of your donation will go directly to the family and 100% of your donation is also tax deductible.
If you would like to help please click here:
Here is a small piece of Ofc. Duffrin's Life:
Mike spent 19 years as an officer with the Tucson Police Department. He joined TPD immediately after finishing a 22 year career in the United States Air Force. Service was definitely part of Mike’s character and DNA.
When Mike wasn’t working he would be on his motorcycle…riding it, working on it, talking about it…it was his passion. There is nothing he liked better than to be out riding somewhere. He always had routes planned for his next trip or two. The longer, the better. The more he could travel off the beaten path, the better he liked it.
Mike has one daughter, Claire. He would drive to Phoenix to visit her and pick her up at school when she was younger. She was the cool kid with her own helmet and riding gear. He looked forward to those visits with her and they are one of her favorite memories of her dad, who absolutely adored her. With our blended family, Mike has 4 stepchildren and significant others, as well as 15 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. They all called him “Papa” and he had a huge influence on each and every one.
Mike was diagnosed with cancer in 2011 and had surgery in 2012. He had part of his large intestine, part of his liver, and his gallbladder removed. The cancer returned in his liver in 2013 and he was being treated monthly with an injection to keep the cancer from growing. For almost 11 years this was very successful.
Even when his health started to decline, Mike never lost sight of the good things in life. He loved his family, first and foremost. He never complained about his health and didn’t have a bad day. He was always in a good mood and could make people around him feel the same. He was one of a kind and will be missed by his family, coworkers, friends - he truly touched so many people.
If you would like to send a personal note to Ofc. Duffrin's family - please use the form below and we will make sure the Family receives your message:
Kent's Heart and Hope Foundation
A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
© Copyright. All Rights Reserved 2020
Sudden Passing of Officer Michael Duffrin, Tucson Police Department, Operations Division East - Squad 1
SOCIAL
I Would Love To Support First Responders!