Midland County names new detention center for Sheriff Gary Painter

Midland County commissioners on Feb. 4 voted to name the county’s new detention center the Sheriff Gary Painter Detention Center and signed a resolution expressing formal support for the dedication.

The court considered a resolution that described Painter as having “served as a peace officer for 49 years” and “fulfilled his service with honorary distinction as sheriff of Midland County for 34 years,” and said naming the facility would “serve as a lasting tribute.” County officials then moved and seconded a motion to adopt the resolution; the court called for the vote and the motion passed without recorded opposition.

Why it matters: The court’s action formalizes long‑standing local support for honoring Painter. Commissioners and multiple speakers said the name would memorialize his decades of service and mentorship for Midland County law enforcement.

Speakers at the meeting described Painter’s career and personal support for staff. Ed Prevett, identifying himself as a former chief deputy for the Midland County Sheriff’s Office who “served with Sheriff Painter for 30 years,” said Painter “established the first Permian Basin drug task force” and that “all the sheriffs in this area looked up to Sheriff Painter.” Alameda “Eddie” Subia, who said “I began my career with the Midland County Sheriff’s Office,” recounted personal mentoring and said Painter “was always my biggest supporter.” Justin Painter, introduced himself as a corporal with the M.I. State Police Department and said naming the center “is about recognizing a lifetime of service, dedication, impact on this community.” Jennifer Painter, a teacher with MISD, described Painter’s outreach to youth and his interest in modernizing the jail and county operations.

Sheriff David Croner, who identified himself as “your sheriff of Midland County,” urged the court to approve the dedication, saying Painter “committed his life to Midland County” and that the county should “rally behind the Painter family.” The court’s presiding officer read a formal proclamation/resolution describing Painter’s roles in local and statewide associations and his appointment by the governor to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.

In related action, the court acknowledged receipt of a donated life‑size bronze statue of Painter valued at $90,000. The donor (a member of the court) said the bronze was commissioned after Painter’s death, that the donor and spouse had paid the foundry, and that the donor would like the county to participate in building a base and installing the piece at the detention center. A motion to acknowledge the donation passed. The court did not adopt a formal funding commitment at the meeting to construct the statue base or pay installation costs; commissioners discussed the request and the donor’s preference that the bronze be associated with the named detention center.

Discussion versus decision: The court’s formal decisions were (1) to adopt the supporting resolution naming the new detention center the Sheriff Gary Painter Detention Center and (2) to acknowledge the $90,000 donated bronze. Commissioners discussed placement of the sculpture and asked staff to follow up on base construction and installation costs; no separate vote or funding authorization for the base was recorded.

What’s next: The county has a new, planned detention center. County staff and the donor will return with specifics on statue base construction and installation costs before the court commits public funds for those items.

Ending: The court moved on to other agenda items after recording the votes and the public tributes to Painter.