By Dan Lathey
 
Despite the ever-present dangers of his chosen profession, former Texas A&M International baseball standout Danny Navarro says that he relishes every day that he has the privilege of serving his hometown as a Laredo Police Officer. He believes that the discipline, life lessons and overall experience he gained at TAMIU as an athlete and student have played a key role in his postgraduate journey and ultimate decision to dedicate himself to a law enforcement career.
 
Once determined to pursue his dream of playing college baseball out of town, Navarro reconsidered and eventually signed with TAMIU along with United High School teammates Jorge Guarneros and Ramon Sandoval. Originally recruited by Mickey Calloway, Navarro lettered four seasons (2009-12) under the guidance of head coach Chad Porter.
 
Navarro played multiple positions throughout his career, always finding a way to contribute to the team. In his role as gutsy and dependable right-handed pitcher, he ranks third on the TAMIU career list with 11 wins. Navarro went 7-2 on the mound as senior, setting a TAMIU single season record with a 2.13 ERA in 50.2 innings pitched.
 
Porter says that Navarro always aspired to be his very best, and his success was a result of his outstanding work ethic and dedication to his teammates.
 
"Danny is an outstanding human being and is a great example of what a true student-athlete should look like, he excelled in the classroom and on the field," Porter said. "Danny was part of a group of players that stabilized the program and who were instrumental in building a foundation. He became one of our top pitchers and contributed in key situations throughout his career. Danny provided leadership to his teammates through his positive example on and off the field. I am forever grateful for his contributions to the baseball program and our relationship. I am proud of Danny and his time at TAMIU and I know that he will have success throughout his career. He has and will continue to impact those around him in a positive way.'
 
Navarro has many memories of his Dustdevil playing career, ranging from the drudgery of early morning conditioning runs to being on the mound as a freshman against Lincoln University and getting out of a bases loaded jam when the batter hit into a 4-6-3 double play (line drive to Jason Bonugli, throw to Ryan Flynn to pick off the runner at second base, throw to Danny Cornejo to pick off the runner at first).
 
While finishing his bachelor's degree in Fitness and Sports, Navarro gained experience as a student teacher and assistant high school baseball coach. Unsure of what his future held at that point, he was encouraged to pursue of a law enforcement career by this then girlfriend and now wife, Kimberly.
 
Spurred by support from Kimberly and his parents, Navarro passed the Police Exam and was hired by the Laredo Police Department. He finished with the highest GPA in his class at the Academy and the leadership qualities he gained as a Dustdevil helped in his selection as class leader by his peers.
 
Approaching seven years of service as a Police Officer, Navarro recently took time from his busy schedule to share his thoughts on a variety of topics.
 
Question: What is your best memory of your TAMIU playing career?
 
Answer: The most memorable part of playing at TAMIU would be the friends I made along the way. However, one memory still sends my heart racing.  I can still hear Coach Porter's voice yelling, "get on the line!"  This meant we had to line up in front of the dorms on the east side of the campus and run our usual mile and half.  When I have gone back to see a few games or visit campus, I pass by that starting line and my heart races as if coach were going to pop out of the bushes and yell again. As tired as I may have been, knowing I was there with my teammates by my side made it worthwhile. 
 
Question: What is the most rewarding aspect of your chosen career and what are your ultimate career goals?
 
Answer: The most rewarding part of my career is that I chose a profession that I do not have to call work. I genuinely enjoy each day.  I think TAMIU baseball prepared me for this career.  I am yelled at on a daily basis, people are always trying to get away with things and occasionally some really like you and give you a smile.  This resembles coach yelling for not doing what he asked, pitching, and trying to keep people from scoring, and when you did your job half the crowd cheered while the other half was upset.  
 
Ultimately, my goal at work is to promote as far as I can, the sky is the limit.
 
Question: What has been your proudest achievement or moment as a police officer?
 
Answer: I cannot determine if I have a single proudest achievement yet, that is something I would have to ask the people I have encountered. We get to handle so many different things at work that to me, every encounter is rewarding from finding a lost child to helping catch a wanted person. I think coming home each day is an achievement.
 
Question: It is no secret that we are living in an ever-changing world. In your opinion what are the key elements of law enforcement building stronger ties with community members, some of whom have a negative opinion of the profession?
 
Answer: Yes, we do live in an ever-changing world. I believe law enforcement can keep strong ties with their communities by being transparent and showing the residents they are working for their community. Showing there is nothing to hide promotes trust. While every person can and will have their own opinion on what can be done, I keep my baseball mentality.  We each have a job to do; I will do what I have practiced: pitching, and let the others do their job. Coaches throughout my baseball career taught me that.
 
Question: Any shout-outs to former teammates, professors or others at TAMIU?
 
Answer: Well, all the teams from 2008-2012 definitely! My good friends Ramon Sandoval, Danny Alejandro, Chris Villa, and Beto Castillo! Coach Bonnette and Coach Porter! Dr. Romo and all the professors along the way that helped shape not only me, but also other student athletes!
 
What They Are Saying …
 
Former TAMIU Assistant Baseball Coach Jim Bonnette:
"We always had complete confidence in Danny in any situation we put him in.  He showed great leadership on and off the field, and that leadership has carried him into his professional career as a police officer. In addition to achieving a tremendous baseball career, Danny was an incredible leader and person for our team, university and community"
 
Former TAMIU baseball player Ramon Sandoval on having Danny as a teammate and friend:
"One of the reasons why I attended TAMIU and accepted the baseball scholarship was so that Danny and I could still play together. I have known Danny since elementary school, and he has not changed a bit. His personality has always been welcoming and encouraging. If you look up the definition of what a great teammate and friend are, you would see a picture of Danny.  He is a man of integrity and commitment. It is tough to narrow down one of my favorite memories with Danny during our college career. However, he made my life and everyone else on the team's life easier with his comedic views and great leadership during our 5 a.m. workouts. He gained the trust and loyalty of everyone around him. Which was one of the reasons why the team had great chemistry. His role was always one of a captain and was respected by everyone. His successful career at TAMIU on and off the field carried over to him being a successful Police Officer.  I am proud to call him my brother. Congratulations on all your success brother."
 
Former TAMIU Kinesiology Professor Dr. Rafael Romo:
"Danny was a great student and athlete with a winning personality and willingness to accept the challenges of learning and more importantly life. Always willing to go the extra mile to get the job done is the best way I can describe Danny. I saw him recently and it did not surprise me that he became a police officer. That is Danny, accepting challenges and willing to go the extra mile to help our community. It was truly a blessing to have had the honor to teach this outstanding individual."