Henry Hank Nava Jr.

Henry "Hank" Nava Jr. was a beloved husband, father, and a deeply respected police officer known for his ever-present smile and dedication to service. A 39-year-old Hispanic man, he lived for being a cop and was known to give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. He adored his family, spoiling them rotten and wanting the world for his two children, KayLeigh and Justin. His career in law enforcement spanned 18 years, beginning with three years at the Austin Park Police Department and one year with the Plano Police Department before he joined the Fort Worth Police Department, where he served with distinction for 14 years. His wife, Teresa, remembers his love for his community, family, and friends, and his passion for a job he loved "more than life itself."

On the evening of November 29, 2005, Officer Nava and two other officers went to a mobile home on Seth Barwise Street, near Brahma Trail in Fort Worth, Texas. They were there to serve a felony parole violation warrant on a suspect named Stephen Lance Herd. A woman at the residence invited the officers inside, telling them the man they were looking for wasn't there but giving them permission to search. As the officers entered, however, the woman loudly announced, "the police are here and are going to search the house," alerting the suspect to their presence. When Officer Nava opened a bedroom door, Herd emerged with a 9mm handgun and shot him in the head, just above his left eye.

After shooting Officer Nava, Herd fled to a neighboring home, where he took a female resident hostage. The standoff lasted for two hours before Herd released the woman and surrendered to the police. Officer Nava was rushed to Harris Methodist Fort Worth Hospital, where he fought for his life for two days. He succumbed to his wound on December 1, 2005, leaving behind his wife and two young children. His service and sacrifice were honored by the Fort Worth Police Department and the broader community he had sworn to protect.

The investigation into Officer Nava's murder led to the arrest of Stephen Lance Herd, who was charged with capital murder. The case drew significant attention as the community mourned the loss of a dedicated officer. On November 13, 2007, a jury convicted Herd for the murder of Officer Nava, and he was sentenced to life in prison. The legal chapter of the case concluded when Herd died in prison in 2021.

The Fort Worth community and Officer Nava's family have worked tirelessly to ensure his sacrifice is never forgotten. His patrol car, covered in signed messages from friends and loved ones after his death, is now on permanent display inside the Fort Worth police headquarters. In a touching tribute, his son, then 10 years old, legally changed his name to Henry Nava III in 2011 to honor his father. The family also hosts an annual "Hank Nava End of Watch Blood Drive" to continue his legacy of giving back to the community.

Decades after his death, Officer Nava's memory continues to be honored in very public and permanent ways. Family, friends, and colleagues gather for candlelight vigils to remember him. In June 2026, the city of Fort Worth unveiled the Hank Nava Jr. Memorial Highway sign on Northwest Loop 820. At the ceremony, his widow, Teresa Nava-Salazar, said, "Twenty-one years ago, I promised everyone that Hank's name would not be forgotten. Hank deserves to be remembered. He is our legacy, as well as Fort Worth's legacy."

Fort Worth Police Chief Eddie Garcia spoke at the highway dedication, reflecting on the lasting impact of the tribute. "Thousands of people will pass the stretch of highway. Many may not know Hank's story. But they will see his name. We hope it encourages them to pause, if only for a moment, and remember that our freedom, safety, and protection are secured through courage and selflessness from people like Hank," Garcia said. The case is considered closed following the conviction and subsequent death of the perpetrator. Officer Nava is buried at Greenwood Memorial Cemetery in Fort Worth, but his legacy endures through his family's efforts and the memorials established in his honor, a lasting reminder of a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice.