[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 163 (Saturday, December 17, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2587]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       IN MEMORY OF FORT WORTH POLICE OFFICER HENRY ``HANK'' NAVA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KAY GRANGER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 16, 2005

  Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a courageous police 
officer from my district who was slain on December 2, 2005. Fort Worth 
Police Officer Henry ``Hank'' Nava died from a gunshot wound to the 
head that he received on November 28 while searching for a man who was 
wanted by police. His loving family and many of his fellow officers 
were at his side when he died.
  Officer Nava was a remarkable officer of the peace who was admired 
both by fellow officers and citizens of Fort Worth.
  Officer Nava, a native of central Texas, began his career in law 
enforcement in 1988 as an Austin, Texas, park police officer. He became 
a Fort Worth police officer in 1992 and in the ensuing 13 years worked 
tirelessly to protect the citizens of Fort Worth. Officer Nava worked 
for the Plano, Texas, police department for a brief period in 1999 but 
soon returned because he missed Fort Worth.
  During his career, Officer Nava served as a Fort Worth patrol 
officer, a neighborhood patrol officer, a school resource officer and, 
for the last 2\1/2\ years of his career, as a member of the North 
Division Crime Response Team. Officer Nava quickly earned the 
reputation of a hard working officer who always had a smile and the 
officer who wore the Oakley sunglasses. Often, after his shift ended, 
Officer Nava would take one more call for help. He mentored young 
people through the Police Department Explorer Scout program. His desire 
to help others was exemplified when he and several members of the Fort 
Worth Police Department traveled to New Orleans to deliver relief 
supplies to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
  Officer Nava was devoted to his wife, Teresa, and his children 
KayLeigh, 9, and Justin, 4. He was an outstanding and loving husband as 
well as a friend to Teresa. Because of his love for his wife, he always 
took time from his work to be with her whether it was on their yearly 
cruise or a call home. His last call to Teresa came just minutes before 
he entered the home where he was fatally shot. His children were the 
joy of his life. He showered them with his love and attention, as only 
a proud father can do. Whether it was having fun around the family 
backyard pool or participating in an activity, Officer Nava always made 
certain his children had his full attention and that the moment was 
special for them.
  Officer Nava's commitment to law enforcement, his deep love for his 
family and his pride in Fort Worth made him an outstanding Fort Worth 
police officer and citizen. I am proud to honor Officer Henry ``Hank'' 
Nava for his services to Fort Worth and its citizens. He will not be 
forgotten.

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