Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

A man so loved and respected never dies.He lives on in the hearts and minds of others.Some people come into our lives then quietly go.....Others stay awhile and leave footprints on our hearts.....and we are never the same.

April 30, 2006

I had the pleasure of knowing Hank for about 15 years. I worked with him directly for only about two of those years but we crossed paths many times in the intervening years. Hank always had a big smile on his face and a "how are you doing?" whenever I ran into him. Unlike a lot of people, Hank really wanted to know how you were doing. He was a tireless worker and a helluva cop. Hank is one of those men that passes through your life and you end up better for it. If only we appreciated that more when guys like Hank are alive. I'll miss you, Hank.

Detective Mike Baggott
Fort Worth PD/co-worker.

April 28, 2006

Hank,
I just wanted to thank you for protecting us. I want to tell you that I decided to be a Citizen on Patrol (COP) because of you. They are holding a football game Saturday in your memory. I have volunteered to work it and I am so excited. I hope I can meet Teresa, Justin and Kaleigh but if not they are always in my prayers.Since you are in Heaven now will you keep my cousin safe. I know you happy now so just enjoy Heaven and don't worry about Teresa and the kids.
Thank you for a job well done now go get your reward.
Sherry Lopez
http://ebasherry.piczo.com

Sherry Lopez

April 28, 2006

I was sitting at my desk when Detective/Hostage Negotiator Frankie Morris stepped-in, and said she was headed to the scene of a hostage situation. She quickly stated that a Fort Worth Officer had been shot, and the suspect had taken someone hostage. I asked who the officer was, and she said "Hank Nava". She quickly left to do her duty. Frankie had no way of knowing what a significant person Hank had been for myself and my family. I was speechless.

I was virtually frozen in place. I finally closed the door to my office and picked up the phone, and realized that I had no idea who I was calling and hung up. I noticed that my hand was shaking and I am not ashamed to tell you that I started to cry. I stood up again and walked a small circle in my tiny office, not knowing how badly Hank was injured. In 21+ years of law enforcement, I do not recall ever feeling so disoriented and without a "plan" quickly coming to mind. Sometimes even now, it is just hard to believe it actually happened. I forced myself to call my wife, and I headed for the hospital.

The loss of Hank rocked the foundation of my family. You see in this profession, we train from day one to arrive at a bad situation, to "make things right", and move on to the next disaster. We are trained to take control and make all the bad stuff go away. And in time we begin to "disregard our assist" and we handle bad things on our own. And finally we begin to allow that mentality to permeate everything we do and even in our personal lives; until finally without any concious intent we essentially tell God "I've got this, you can disregard".

I was 39 years old when God decided that I had disregarded Him for the last time. He lovingly allowed me to be broken so badly that I had to have an assist. I finally did what God had wanted me to do for all those years: I got on my knees and I told Him that I needed Him. I told Him that I could not handle this one on my own. And God's "response time" was immediate. God will not write letters to us, and he will not call us on the phone or send e-mails. What He does do though, is He sends very special people into our lives at just the right moment when He wants us to hear from Him. Were you ever completely broken? If you think back, God sent someone to you. Do you remember who it was? If you held onto anger, or unforgiveness instead of reaching for God, it's not too late to fix things. God allows "do-overs", at least within ourselves.

God sent Hank Nava to tell me the words that He wanted me to hear at just the right moment. It was the first meaningful conversation I had ever had with another human being in 39 years(remember, I had always disregarded my assist). I was amazed at Hank's willingness to take his time to make sure that I was eating and sleeping, and to open his own heart and home to me. Hank and Teresa treated me as their own, and words could never express how grateful I am to Hank and his family.

Please get ahold of this in remembering Hank; God cannot use us for His work, until we give our heart to Him. And, God used Hank Nava to reach me. At some point in Hank's life, he gave his heart to the Lord and accepted Jesus as his Savior. Only for that reason was Hank able to be my "assist" and do God's work at just the right moment.

I have struggled to think of a way to adequately honor and thank my friend Hank for his unselfish commitment to being my assist and to pay tribute to this special man and the tremendous gesture he made in making me a priority. And it finally dawned on me what to do; Will you please stop disregarding your assist and take a moment to pray this prayer?

Lord thank you for sending my assist, Jesus, to die for my sins. I'm sorry for my sins. Please forgive me. I want to be a Christian. I accept Jesus as my savior and I ask that you help me to live for you from now on. Amen.

I hope some day that God will send you to assist someone the way Hank unselfishly assisted me. It is only for Hank's acceptance of the Lord, that I was saved. And only for that reason that I will not "die" and miss seeing Hank again in Heaven.

Teresa, KayLeigh, and Justin: May the Lord always be close, always speaking to your hearts in the loving sweetness of Jesus, and know that a wretch like me was saved because Hank Nava accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior.

Sincerely and in His mighty love,

Gianni Ghilespi

Captain Gianni Ghilespi
Fort Worth Police Department

April 27, 2006

I remember when I first met Hank when he was assigned to the School Initiative Unit. I had been on the department for about a year and had just been taken off of probation and allowed to work part times. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to work a middle school basketball game with him. He was very friendly and approachable and easy to talk to which made my shift go smoother for that night. Hank was a prime example of what I would call " The Peoples Officer". I can only hope that my career is as decorative as his was. He will be missed.

Officer A. J. Williams
Gang Unit-friend

April 26, 2006

HANK we ran a lot of warrants together you and the other CRT members . I thank you for the plessure of knowing you and as usual I will tell MAY LYNN THAT YOU SAID HELLO. Sure do miss you HANK .

sonny
ex-tcso

April 26, 2006

Hank,

Not a day goes by that I don't think about you and the sacrifice you made for the job. You loved this place and the people who you worked with. It showed in everything you did. The stories of your daily heroism inspire those who contniue without you, and will be passed on to those who follow when we're gone.

For our family,
The scripture says that to be absent from the body is to be with God. So although we feel sorrow and loss, Hank experiences only joy and fulfillment. We'll see him again someday. Until then, we'll rmember Hank with our hard work toward the worthy goals that he represented with such charisma and drive.

Sacrifice

Though love repine, and reason chafe,
There came a voice without reply,—
"Tis man's perdition to be safe,
When for the truth he ought to die."

Ralph Waldo Emerson. 1803–1882

Lt. John W Boyd
Fort Worth PD

April 26, 2006

On Friday Oct 29, 2005 I was working an overtime detail. I was due to get off at 6 pm and had a church function to attend with my 4 year old at 7. At approx 1730 hours a vehicle decided to run from me, and I am on a detail on a mountain bike. Needless to say my best weapon was the radio. Hank and other CRT officers responded to my broadcast and just several blocks away they saw, chased and caught the all 3 subjects. The subjects were in a stolen car, had just committed a BMV (bugrlay of vehicle) and had stolen property that they were in the process of dumping along side the roadway as the chase ensued. I very sadly rode my bike to the end location of the chase knowing that I was not going to make the Halloween "trunkfest" at our church and my daughter would be sad as well. But to my amazement Hank heard me talking about missing it and he 'volunteered' to clean up the mess. He and his partner (Farmer) agreed to take the sheet and I know they spent many hours on that call and staying overtime themselves to help me. I will never forget that, and it hurts to know that I never was able to pay him back for his kindness. Thanks Hank, you are truly a good guy and I know God will use you in his Kingdom.

Officer Monte Tucker
Fort Worth PD

April 26, 2006

I worked with Hank on and off through the years and never saw Hank outside of work. I didnt get to know Hank on a personal level and I wish I would have. I do know this, I will always remember Hank because of his dynamic personality and special gift to make people smile. I remember everytime I spoke with Hank he put a smile on my face. Even in the wake of his death, every time I think of Hank I will smile and be grateful for what I have, because Hank would have wanted it that way. I know Hank is with the Lord now and eventually we will all be reunited again. I am privledged to have known Hank and will never forget him.

Officer JR Sullivan
FWPD

April 25, 2006

Hank always had the biggest smile on his face especially when the bad guy was caught. I spoke with Hank two days before the incident and we remeniced about working the DWI unit together. Remembering those moments will always stay in my heart to help ease the pain of losing Hank. Let his light shine on. Be safe

Officer J.M. Jones
Ft. Worth PD

April 25, 2006

Officer Nava,
I don't even know what to say, but my heart wanted to say something. I joined Fort Worth's Finest and learned of your tragedy before I even hit the streets, while still wearing grays. You will always be in my thoughts and you will always be a model to me for the rest of my career. One doesn't even have to know you that well, just read all of the reflections left for you or your family on this website. It's officers like you that make me so proud to put on my blues everyday and go to work. Thank you so much.

Officer
FWPD

April 25, 2006

Hank, every day before I leave to work, I see your picture that Cynthia and I have in our home. I have to tell ya, I know you have come and paid us a visit a few times, and we just want to say thanks. We miss hearing your "spanglish" haha, Cynthia especially misses riding out with you, she still laughs at the memory of the last time she rode out with you and ya ll had to decide between a possible 36 at the stockyards or a sig 3 ped. Well, you know the rest of the story regarding the Sig 3. Bro, I miss you. I still wear the FWPD t shirt we traded items for. And every day, when I put on my badge, and walk out the door, I take a look at your picture as I leave and say to myself " lets roll Bro" because I know you are there watching over me.

J.R.Salazar FWPD 2995

ofcr. J.R. Salazar
FWPD

April 25, 2006

To the Family of HENRY HANK NAVA,
I remember hearing about HENRY the day the our Lord called him home. In our job we hate to hear about a brother in blue who has left us. I wanted to say how sorry I am that HENRY is no longer here with us. Earlier last year I decided that I would attend the national memorial in May 2006. I along with 3 other State Troopers will be a part of the Police Unity Tour. Officers from all aroud the country ride a 300 mile bike ride in memory of fallen officers. We will be riding for all who were taken from us this year. DPS lost two Troopers this year and though their names wont be on the memorial this year we ride for their families as well. I have recieved a bracelet that bares Henry's name and I will ride the 300 miles to the memorial in his memory. I and the other Troopers hope to meet you and your kids at the meorial. Our prayers our with you and your family.
Rest in Peace Henry Hank Nava....All you brothers got it from here..........

Trooper I Carlos Jesus Salgado
TX DPS (Midland)

Trooper Carlos Salgado
Texas Department Of Public Safety

April 22, 2006

hank-
we are so sad that you are gone and often think of you. your time was just cut so short and nobody was expecting it. you are so much and appreciated and loved it is umbelievalble! the funeral was absolutly beautiful but i know you know that because i am sure you were watching from above. we went to justins 5th birthday and he is getting so big, he is deffianlty in his own little world! kaleigh is just as pretty as ever and very sweet. you and teresa have done a great job raising those 2. i have been to the cemetary a few times and i bet you were laughing at me becasue i left a napkin saying we missed you. malarie tells me that you are her angel and that you watch over her. she has numerous pictures in her room and sighns that say "i love hank nava" and i have had several dreams myself where scott, me, you and teresa are out having a good ol time and it makes me feel so happy, maybe that is you way of getting to communicate with us. well hank may you rest in peace, have fun and eat lots of fattening food! those carbs wont matter there! we love and miss you dearly and we are there for teresa and the kids 100 percent if they need us!
mary

mary taylor

April 13, 2006

Hank,
Well brother you have left some big shoes to be filled. The team is doing ok and trying to move forward. You would be proud of the team and the way that they have carried on especially "Neckbone". He is the one I am most proud of (although he still does not pay for his own meals). The team did get a new officer and its "Ricky". For the most part the team is the same and "paula" is still tearing up the radio, haha. I think you would be proud of the team and they way that they have all pulled together. We still miss you very much and seem to deal with it in our own way. I bought a new mustang because I thought that you would like it. Well teresa and the kids are doing fine. I think we are going to have our hands full with your daughter because it will take the entire team to keep the boys away from her, but we will handle that. Your son, is a whole different matter. I think he could be the spokesman for "REDBULL" because he never stops. Teresa is holding up at times and you would be very proud of her. Well enuf about all that, just wanted to let you know that we all miss you and hope to see you one day. I am also trying to keep my promise to you. Love you brother

Officer S.E. Myers #2984
FWPD

April 12, 2006

Hank,
Well you have been gone for a bit but forever in my thoughts. I talk to Kaleigh and Justin and Teresa often. Kayleigh is a Jr. bridesmaid for my wedding and she is real excited. I think I will make Justin head of security that night; someone has to keep us in line. I am looking forward to seein your family this summer and they miss you teribly. I wear your memorial band 24/7 as do Jake, Bethany and Stacey. You are mised by a ton of people. I am so impressed by the way your partners at Ft.Worth P.D. are helping Teresa and the kids. They are the true meaning of "Brotherhood."

Well my friend you rest your soul and keep watch in the heavens.

Keith

Officer Keith Poteet
Mountlake Terrace Washington

April 12, 2006

Hank -

Here I am again writing in the guestbook. 4 months later there are still people writing in the books. I can never tell you enough how proud of you I am. I was very lucky to have been married to you for 14 years. I still often don't believe you are gone. I dont know where I think you are but we were suppose to grow old together. We were suppose to watch our two beautiful children grow up and someday marry and give us grandkids. Now I am left with having to comfort them at each milestone they reach without a Dad. Somedays it is too much to think about. Justin has totally gone girl crazy. According to him he already has a wife that is in Kindergarten. You know him and older girls. If you could just hear him you would be laughing you head off. He is such a little ham and such a little miny Hank. I keep telling him his Daddy must be talking to him from Heaven about all the girl things. KayLeigh is as beautiful as ever. She just painted her project for the art fair. It is beautiful as always. She is such a good artist. She also got superior and a gold metal for her science fair project. We miss you Hank more than you probably will ever realize. I hate thinking you are really gone for me forever. It is so scary. I still wish I could have one more day with you so I could tell you how much I love you and thank you for the life you gave to me for 14 years and the life you gave to the kids. I want you to know it is hard to compete with you though. I always said you were spoiling the kids too much. Now I have to deal with them wanting everything now. They don't have their daddy to run too to get what they want. I also wanted to tell you that I donated your Grand Prix to Beat the Heat. Brian will be racing it. I am so excited about that. I know that it is something you believed in and something you would be totally ok with me doing. The car is getting painted white. Brian was kind nervous about that but I told him that most of the cars you owned were white so I wasn't quite sure how you ended up with a red car anyways. You passion for cars never died and with Brian taking your car and racing it in memory of you will let that passion live on for a very long time. Also know that the CRT Team is awesome. I am so thankful that you were in CRT. The group cares about us a lot and the kids and I have become very close with them. They did finally fill your spot on the team though. It is Rick Santos I believe. He came over from mounted patrol. He seems like a very nice guy. Just know how very very proud I am of you. I love you sweetie. I hope you are resting in peace.

Teresa Nava
Widow of Henry "Hank" Nava
EOW: 12-1-05

Teresa Nava
Fort Worth, Texas

April 11, 2006

you are loved and missed by all those you left behind, today...and always

April 3, 2006

WEll Hank, I find myself sitting her at a part-time job, thinking of you. We joined the Fort Worth police dept together in October of 1991. You are second person from are academy class to be killed in the line of duty. I know you and Brent Wisdom are in heaven telling stories of the "good ol days". We will always miss you and Brent Wisdom. take care and i know you are watching over all of us. You are truly an inspiration to all Police officers. BW Blaisdell # 2540

Officer B.W. Blaisdell # 2540
Fort Worth PD

April 3, 2006

To the Wife of Hank-
Although I have never met you - you have truly touched my heart. Your husband must be SO PROUD of the strength you have. I am also a wife of an officer, and I want to thank you for your dedication to your husband. I would also like to thank your husband for being a hero to so many people.

To live on in the hearts of those still here....is to not die at all.....

P.D. Wife -KCMO

March 24, 2006

Dear Nava Family, I am so sorry you are in such pain and sadness. I heard about the loss of your husband/father/loved one that tragic morning and have prayed for you and your family. My father unexpectedly died at the end of October and even though he was not a police officer, I know some of the pain you feel consumed with, the questions you ask, the mundane parts of life that demand attention no matter how Exhausted you are. I hurt for you and pray you can find ways to lovingly remember "Hank" and smile. God's blessings to you all, Jennifer

Jennifer Turner

March 12, 2006

My Dearest Baby Brother,

The hardest thing I ever did in my life was to know that I will never see you or talk to you again.Walking away from your bedside on December 1st knowing I was not taking you back home was the second hardest thing to except.

You are deeply missed and I can not believe it has been three months. I have a very special gift to tell you about and that is on December 30th I found out I was expecting a baby. What is hard for me is that this is a child that will not ever know his wonderful uncle or even be held by you, but I know you will be with me in spirit the day my special gift is born. I feel you played a hand in this gift since Scott and I have been trying for 14 years. Thank You for putting in the good word.

May God Bless you and keep you safe until we all get to be with you one day.

Scott and I will do our best to be there for Teresa, Kayleigh and Justin.

Love you and miss you
Nina

Nina O'Donnell (sister)

March 10, 2006

To Officer Hank Nava and his loved ones and his fellow officers with the Forth Worth Police Dept.:

I was so saddened to learn of the tragic line of duty death of another young officer. Please know that your memory is honored and revered today.

On behalf of our entire family, I wish to extend our sincerest condolences for the grievous loss you suffered when your beloved Hank was brutally murdered.
My heart goes out to your family. You’re in our thoughts and our prayers.

Hank, you rescued us, saved our possessions, our lives and our families. You are one of the rare heroes among us. You were always there for us in the most traumatic moments of our lives. No matter when we called, we just expected that you would come and do whatever it took to help us, and you always met our expectations. Your selflessness and dedication are awe-inspiring.

This world, this country, your community truly are better places because of you. To have lost you is a great tragedy, an irreplaceable, immeasurable loss for society. We are grateful for and to you, and honor you for all you did for us day in and day out whether you received a word of thanks or praise.

Rest in Peace, Officer Nava.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the seventeen years of distinquished service Hank gave to his community and the citizens of Texas, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on December 1,2005.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

March 8, 2006

Hank-

It has now been three months since your tragic death. I go to the cemetary often and just cry because I never imagined I would be going to a cemetary to see you at such a young age. Justin's 5th birthday is today. It is hard to imagine that you are not hear to celebrate it. It is hard to think 5 years ago we almost lost him at birth. I would have never imagined 5 years later I wouldn't have you by myside. Justin still asks about you daily. We pray at night and he tells you that he wishes you had not gone to work that day. I wish you hadn't either. I long for one more day, just one more day to hold you and know that that was our last day. You told me you were going to die a few weeks before you did. How did you know? I hate to think I just blew you off because I thought you were absolutely crazy! All I know is you told me you were not scared. Please know how hard it was for me to remove the life support from you. You are an awesome man who has left an awesome legacy. Our children will always remember what a HERO their Dad was. I will always remember the short 14 years we spent together and you will always have a special place in my heart. Everyday is a hard day for me. I try so hard to get it all done and be there for the kids. I try not to loose my patience with them but at times I do and then I hate myself afterwards. I hate laundry and I hate ironing. Sometimes I think you are looking from above just laughing at me because I am now having to do those things. You were so much better at them.

I love you Hank! I miss you more than I could ever say. The kids miss you as well. It is so hard to believe you are gone forever.

I love you Hanky!!

Teresa Nava
Widow of Henry "Hank" Nava, Jr.
EOW: 12-1-2006

Teresa Nava

March 6, 2006

I have made it my duty and privilege to pray for our Police officer's safety every day. Hank you changed alot of lives. Looking forard to seeing you soon in heaven. Martha

Martha VanHoose
COP

February 21, 2006