On July 24, 2008, Darling responded to a head-on traffic crash in which one vehicle was fully engulfed in flames, nearly catching the second vehicle on fire.  Darling attempted to extinguish the flames near the second vehicle in order to administer first aid to the unconscious occupant.  Recognizing the flames could not be extinguished, Darling and other responders attached a tow strap to the second vehicle and pulled it a safe distance away.  Darling was then able to administer first aid to the trapped occupant.

Upon reviewing the circumstances of this incident, the MSP Board of Awards concluded Darling's quick actions and knowledge of first aid techniques saved the occupant's life. 

Darling enlisted with the department in 1998, and graduated as a member of the 117th Trooper Recruit School.  After graduation he was assigned to the Paw Paw Post.  Darling, a native of St. Johns, is a first aid and firearms instructor, and an advanced traffic crash investigator.  He currently resides in Paw Paw with his wife and two children.