County court names new law enforcement building for Sgt. Michael Joe Naylor

Midland County’s commissioners on Feb. 4 voted to name a new law enforcement building the Sergeant Michael Joe Naylor Law Enforcement Center, honoring an officer who county speakers said died in the line of duty in October 2014.

The vote followed multiple speakers who described Naylor’s role with the sheriff’s office, his work founding the county’s mental‑health unit and his leadership of the department honor guard. The court’s motion to name the building was seconded and approved by voice vote with no recorded opposition.

Why it matters: The dedication recognizes Sergeant Naylor’s contributions to crisis response and community outreach and memorializes an officer killed while serving on a child‑predator warrant, according to speakers.

Speakers and testimony: Alameda “Eddie” Subia described working with Naylor early in his career and called him “a genuine boss and very personable.” Sgt. Sammy Garcia (identified as a sergeant with the Mount Vernon Sheriff’s Office) and Lieutenant Leith Hill (administration, Sheriff’s Office) credited Naylor with creating the county’s mental‑health program and the honor guard; Hill noted Naylor “served the Midland County Sheriff’s Office for 15 years” and described him as “instrumental in the creation of the Crisis Response Team.” Multiple speakers urged the court to notify Naylor’s widow if the court moves forward with a naming.

Discussion versus decision: The court’s formal action was a motion to name the new law enforcement building the Sergeant Michael Joe Naylor Law Enforcement Center; the motion passed by voice vote and no roll call was recorded.

Ending: Commissioners said the name would serve as a reminder of the values Naylor embodied and the county moved on to other agenda items.

Quotes “Mike always strived to see the best in everyone,” Lieutenant Leith Hill said of Naylor. “His legacy is one of selflessness, service, and unwavering commitment to others.”