Navajo Nation Flags Flying at Half-staff to Honor Police Officer Tony Becenti Jr

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Sr. Police Officer Tony Becenti Jr

WINDOW ROCK, ARIZONA - Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly has ordered Navajo Nation flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Senior Police Officer Tony Becenti, Jr., Badge #3112. Officer Becenti passed away on October 19.

"Myself, Vice President Jim, and Mrs. Shelly extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of Officer Tony Becenti," said President Shelly. "He was a mentor to many at the Crownpoint District. We honor his work, his life, and his service to the Navajo people."

During his tenure with the Navajo Nation Police Department, he served as a training instructor and previously served as a substation officer at the Tohajiilee police substation. Officer Becenti joined the Crownpoint Police District department as a police officer on March 28, 1994.

"As public servants, we take an oath to serve the Navajo people and uphold the laws of the Navajo Nation," said President Shelly. "Officer Becenti served the Navajo Nation with dignity and honor. He will be missed by his colleagues with the police force and the many he protected within Eastern Agency."

He was born on May 6, 1968 in Crownpoint, NM to Lucy and Tony Becenti, Sr. of Mullholand Wells, New Mexico. He graduated from Crownpoint High School in 1986.

Officer Becenti is survived by two daughters, Shelby and Shealynn Becenti, and parents, Lucy and Tony Becenti, Sr. He is also survived by six sisters and one brother.

posted October 21, 2011 6:00 am edt