Words can't describe the feelings I and so many others experienced today as we said a collective good-bye to Deputy Michael Naylor. I have never seen the kind of love and support shown for a fallen officer as I witnessed today. Several hundred people, including hundreds of officers from across the state were there. Sheriff Painter unpinned Mike's badge from his uniform shirt, knelt before Mike's wife, and pressed that now sacred star into her hands. And that tall and tough Sheriff openly wept with her. So did most of the people scattered throughout that huge church building. There were three overflow rooms beside the huge auditorium, and it still could not contain all those who wanted to pay their respects.
We later learned that in all the towns along the route from Midland, Texas to Hobbs, New Mexico, the people lined the highways and streets by the hundreds and honored this deputy as the procession passed through their respective towns.
I have only said this about one or two officers since 1981, but Mike was a cop's cop...the kind that other cops measure themselves by, and strive to meet his standards. Here on earth, especially here in Midland County, Texas, Deputy Michael Naylor will be so terribly missed and mourned. But in Heaven, that Thin Blue Line boasts another hero.
May you rest with your fallen brothers and sisters, Mike.
I have only said this about one or two officers since 1981, but Mike was a cop's cop...the kind that other cops measure themselves by, and strive to meet his standards. Here on earth, especially here in Midland County, Texas, Deputy Michael Naylor will be so terribly missed and mourned. But in Heaven, that Thin Blue Line boasts another hero.
May you rest with your fallen brothers and sisters, Mike.
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