In Memory of Our Fallen Heroes
Latest Listings
Dayle Weston (Wes) July 7. 2007
Teyran (TY) Patterson May 30, 2007
Andrew Esparza April 12, 2007
Mark Timothy Nix March 23, 2007
Jeanette McCabe January 14, 2007
Dwayne Freeto - December 17, 2006
In Memory of
Officer Dayle Weston (Wes)
Saturday, July 7, 2007, was severely injured when his police motorcycle collided with a vehicle. Wes was transported to Baylor Hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Officer Hardy was born in Ft. Worth, TX July 16, 1975. He grew up in Boyd and graduated High School in 1993. He went on to play football for Texas A&M in 1993 and 1994. After leaving A&M, Wes had a desire to go into law enforcement and enrolled in the Academy at Tarrant County Junior College. Wes went to work for Wise County Sheriff’s Department as a dispatcher for the first year, while attending the Academy and then served as a Deputy for three years. July 98’ he moved on to serve as an officer for the Plano Police Department for nine years. Wes and his wife, Ashlee, married in 2000 and moved to Howe, TX where they started their family.
In his spare time, he enjoyed riding motorcycles, loved hunting, and spending time with his family. Having the true passion to serve others, Wes volunteered with the Howe Fire Department, served as their Captain, and training officer for seven years. Friends and family will reflect on Wes with a smile; he will be remembered for his witty personality, and the gift to make people laugh. He was a dedicated person, both personally and professionally, and all those who knew him will miss his loyalty and dedication. His infectious personality and love of all people will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Officer Wes Hardy is survived by Wife, Ashlee, and two twin daughters; Cora and Caitlyn.
Greater love has no one than this that he lay down his life for his friends. John 15:13
In Memory of
Officer Jeannette McCabe
Sunday January 14, 2007, Officer Jeanette McCabe passed away after suffering from a brain aneurysm a few days prior. Jeannette was teaching her class at Love field when she was suddenly struck by the aneurysm.
Officer Jeanette McCabe was born in Utica, NY, January 1957. The majority of her upbringing was in Phoenix, Arizona. Jeanette graduated from Arizona State University May 1989 with a bachelor’s degree in Governmental Studies. In 1990, Jeannette ventured to Texas where she went to the Police Academy for Dallas. Officer McCabe had sixteen-year tenure with the Dallas Police Department.
December of ’98 Jeanette met Douglass, her love and partner in life. The two married October 19, 2002 joining their families together. In Jeanette’s spare time, she enjoyed gardening and utilized her skills with crafts. Jeanette was very strong in her faith, and blessed with many gifts and talents in which she shared. She lived her life to the fullest and left a permanent mark on the lives she touched, personally and professionally. Those who knew Jeanette will forever remember her ability to be firm and strong when needed; yet gentle and loving to comfort those around her.
Officer Jeanette McCabe is survived by her husband, Douglass, two sons; Jake, and Joshua, five wonderful grandchildren, and her parents.
In Memory of Senior Corporal Mark Timothy Nix
Tuesday, March 23, 2007 Officer Mark Nix was shot and killed while attempting to apprehend a murder suspect. The suspect’s car crashed after a short pursuit where the suspect opened fire on Officer Nix from inside the car, striking him in the chest, neck and leg.
Senior Corporal Nix was born August 1, 1973 in Forest Lake, MN. In 1980, the Nix family moved to Arlington, TX. At the age of nineteen, Mark joined the Navy then transferred over to the Army a year and a half later. Mark went to Chicago Moody Bible College for a year then transferred to the University of Illinois. He graduated in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in Philosophy. In the year 2000, Officer Nix joined the Dallas Police Academy; and served with the Dallas Police for seven years.
Mark enjoyed spending time with his friends, bike riding, and loved paint ball; he was a "pro". Mark was the type of person that would make you laugh, he was a jokester. Mark truly enjoyed being around people and his personality showed that.
Senior Corporal Nix is survived by his parents; David and Cheryle, and younger sister; Renee.
“One nation, under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all”.
In Memory of Game
Warden Teyran (Ty) Patterson
On the morning of Wednesday, May 30, 2007 Game Warden Ty Patterson drowned in the Paluxy River when he and his partner, Danny Tuggle’s boat capsized. While Ty struggled in the water, he was able to assist his partner to safety.
Warden Patterson was born in Sequin, TX on November 18, 1978, Seguin was home for Ty all of his life. Ty went on to graduate from Seguin high school in 1998. After high school, Ty attended Cisco Junior College in Cisco, TX, where he played football. During Ty’s freshman year, he sustained injuries that stopped his college football career. From Cisco, Ty went to St. Phillips College in San Antonio TX for two years before Transferring to Texas State University where he majored in Criminal Justice. In the spring of 2004 Ty graduated from Texas State, he worked a little while longer for CMC Steel Texas before being accepted into the 51st Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Warden Academy.
Ty stood 6 foot 2inches tall and weighed 285lbs and although he looked intimidating, he was a very kind and caring person. Ty enjoyed playing basketball in the mornings with his “boys” in Cleburne, and his passion was lifting weights. Ty was very close to his family and friends so when he had the time, he would go home and visit.
“Ty is a hero in my eyes and possessed the gift to see the good in everyone”. His older brother, Joe, states. He had a passion for everything he did, and was a man of honor. Those who knew Ty will remember him for his closeness with his family, his loyalty to his loved ones and for his pure heart.
Warden Teyran (Ty) Patterson is survived by his parents; Joe and Viann Patterson, his sister Crystal Patterson and his brothers, Joe Jr., and Demetrius.
“A true Texas Hero
loved and respected by all”.
Officer Andrew Esparza
4/13/2007
Friday, April 13, 2007 Officer Esparza was killed when he lost control of his patrol car in a rainstorm responding to assist another officer. Andrew was transported to Parkland Memorial Hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Officer Andrew Esparza is survived by his parents; Rafael, and Christina, brothers; Ralph, and Felix, and sister; Zoila.
Officer Andrew Esparza was born in Ft. Worth, TX April 29, 1980. He grew up in Burleson and graduated high school in 1998. He went to University of Texas at Arlington and graduated in 2002 with a degree in Business. He went to the Irving Police Academy in June 2005 and graduated November 2005. Andrew was with The Irving Police Department just under two years. In his spare time, he loved to play poker, and was good with the game itself. He also enjoyed going hunting, fishing, and spending time with his family and friends.
Andrew “Drew” will be remembered for his passion for life, and his willingness to go above and beyond, whether it was in his personal life or at work. A close friend of his stated, “Drew was the kind of friend that everyone wants but only few of us actually have”. Whenever anyone was in need, Andrew was always there; he lived his life very selflessly, and always put others in front of himself.–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Officer Dwayne Freeto
7/29/1972 – 12/17/2007
Sunday, December 17, 2006, Officer Freeto was killed when his patrol car was hit from behind while he was assisting a motorist with a flat tire. Freeto served as an officer of the Ft. Worth Police Department for 9 months.
Officer Dwayne Freeto is survived by his parents; Carl and Linda, brother; Chuck, wife; Karen, and their two daughters Jordin and Jenna.
Officer Dwayne Freeto was born in Waco July 29, 1972. Dwayne was a well rounded person with many gifts. After high school he went to college and studied Criminal Justice for two years; then joined the Army for four years assisting in the infantry. He decided to go back to school studying computer networking and graduated from TSTC in Waco. After working with computers Dwayne decided to move forward with something he always had a desire to do. He joined the Ft. Worth Police Academy and graduated March 2006.
Dwayne and his wife, Karen, married January 1, 1996. Together they brought two girls into this world; Jordin who is nine and Jenna who is four. Dwayne enjoyed spending time with his family, and from time to time “shoot some hoops”. Dwayne was a calm and understanding man who would never raise a voice or be quick to anger. Karen reflects with joy when she thinks of Dwayne with their daughters, she admired and loved so much the love he carried and showed the family.
Sgt. Gregory L. Hunter
10/01/1949 – 6/18/2004
On Friday, June 18th, 2004 Sgt. Hunter was shot and killed by an armed man in a Van parked at Wal-Mart on Interstate 20. Sgt. Hunter was the first black police officer hired by the City of Grand Prairie to be commissioned by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, and served with Grand Prairie for 29 years.
Sgt. Hunter earned many awards during his tenure with the Grand Prairie Police Department, including 1973 Rookie of the Year, 1979 City of Grand Prairie Employee of the Year, Police Officer of the Month on multiple occasions, in 1986 Outstanding Police Officer of the year. Hunter believed that his work was not just a job, but also an honorable calling. Sgt. Hunter worked in Field Operation, CID, Special Investigations /Narcotics, Tarrant County Task Force, and Personnel and Training. He mentored many officers, rookies, and civilian employees.
He is survived by his wife Denise, and their daughter Erin, also daughters, Lindsay, Kimberly, and son Greg.
Officer Nathan Laurie
11/10/1960 – 07/29/2004
On Thursday, July 29 th, 2004 , Officer Laurie was killed in an automobile accident during a vehicle pursuit. Laurie had served with the River Oaks Police Department for two years and served one year with the Tarrant County Sheriffs Department prior to joining River Oaks Police Department.
Nathan always had a desire to fulfill the needs of others. He genuinely cared for people and their well - being. Nathan was not only an upstanding Officer in his Community but was a loving and caring Husband and Father. He was one who believed in strong family values and with the partnership he had with his Wife instilled these values in their Children.
Officer Laurie is survived by his wife Shirlene, sons, Nick, Brian, and daughter Katy.
Officer Sheldon Gordon - 12/2/1941 – 12/12/2004
In the early morning hours of December 12 th, 2004 , Officer Gordon was en route to report for the White Rock marathon when he was struck and killed by an intoxicated driver traveling at an estimated 70mph.
Born December 2 nd, 1941 in Dallas , Sheldon Gordon had a driven desire to help others in his community as well as his Country. Not only was Sheldon a Reserve Police Officer for Dallas , but he was also an aviation technician for the Navy Reserves for 27 years. For nearly 35 years Sheldon showed continued dedication in volunteering his time as a reserve officer. When he wasn’t on duty as a reserve officer, he enjoyed his work in repairing electronics for a living.
He is survived by his daughter Michelle, and son Phil; along with his wife Theresa and their two beautiful young daughters, Jade, and Lacey; as well as Maureen, who was his wife for 25 years and a friend for 10 more.
Fire Fighter Rick Hosford
7/19/1951 – 9/1/2005
Thursday, September 1, 2005 Rick Hosford was en route to work when an automobile crossed over the center lane, struck and killed him. Hosford had served with the Arlington Fire Department since 1983. Prior to joining the Fire Department he was a signal officer in the Army for five years and honorably discharged as a Captain in 1982.
July 19, 1951 Rick was born in Okeene , Oklahoma and raised in Texas where he met his wife Diann. They have four children; Tessa, who is going to nursing school and is married with a boy named Taylor . Matt, who is in the National Guard, Jacob, who is in college, and their youngest, Bevin
Rick also worked part-time at Huguley memorial medical center in guest services. He treasured spending time with his family. His children have many fond memories of their vacations together, from camping, to vacationing in the snowy mountains or the sunny beaches.
Officer Henry (Hank) Nava Jr.
5/17/2006-11/29/2005
On Tuesday, November 29 th 2005 Officer Hank Nava was shot when he attempted to arrest a man on a warrant. Thursday, December 1 st, Officer Nava passed away at Harris Methodist Hospital. Nava was with Austin Park Police Department from 1988 – 1991. He relocated to Ft. Worth and joined their police academy September 1991, and graduated March 1992
Hank was best described as one who gave with a generous and pure heart. And in Teresa’s eyes he had a smile that would light up a room. Nava is survived by his wife Teresa, daughter Kayleigh, and son, Justin.
Officer Darren G. Medlin
8/14/1969 – 06/12/2004
Saturday, June 12th, 2004 Officer Medlin was struck and killed by an automobile being operated by an intoxicated driver. Medlin served with the Grapevine Police Department for 4 years. Prior to joining the Grapevine Police Department, he served as game warden with the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife for 4 years.
Officer Darren Glen Medlin was born in Lubbock , Texas on August 14, 1969 . Darren and his wife Gina were together for thirteen years and married in 1997. Prior to joining the Academy he was an active Marine for 4 years and served in Desert Storm for eight months. In 1994 he graduated with honors from Texas A & M University in Corpus Christi with a B.S. Degree in Criminal Justice
His Wife Gina, two children, Sarah, Laura, and two stepchildren, Crystal, and Bobby, survives Officer Medlin.
