[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 163 (Saturday, December 17, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2576]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN MEMORY OF OFFICER HENRY ``HANK'' NAVA, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 16, 2005

  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share the collective grief 
of the people of North Texas on the death of Fort Worth Officer Henry 
``Hank'' Nava, Jr. who died of a gunshot wound to his head while in the 
course of duty.
  Officer Nava, recognizable by his military hairstyle, Oakley 
sunglasses and electric smile, was a dedicated servant of the 
community. The grief from his loss is shared not only by his fellow 
police brethren, but by the greater Fort Worth community.
  Hank Nava was the first Fort Worth officer killed in the line of duty 
in 11 years. He served as an officer in Austin, Plano and Fort Worth, 
where he was most recently assigned to the 10-member North Side Crime 
Response Team. This team is directed to handle particularly difficult 
cases. He was always first to volunteer and enthusiastic to accomplish 
the tasks ahead of him. A natural leader, he was a source of 
encouragement for his fellow police officers.
  Officer Nava's personality and bravery made him a trusted friend, 
devoted husband and father, and a hero to other police officers. Gianni 
Ghilespi, a Fort Worth police captain, said that Officer Nava gave him 
a home during his darkest moment and helped him work through his 
problems stating, ``God sent a hero to me,'' he said. ``It was Hank 
Nava.''
  His generous personality extended beyond his call to service as a 
police officer. Officer Nava could often be found working out in the 
community especially with children. The impact of his death left a 
wounded community. Currently, the Fort Worth police are having 
difficulties reassigning his patrol unit. It seems that citizens just 
started showing up and signing condolences on the vehicle. But truly, 
he will be missed most by his family.
  Hank Nava is survived by his wife, Teresa and his two children 
Kayleigh, age nine, and Justin, age four.
  We were blessed to have had him protecting us all from the evils of 
this world. His courage and dedication brought hope of a safer 
community. He will be remembered as a husband, a hero, and a friend.

                          ____________________