By Mitch Borden
Hundreds gathered to honor Midland Police Officer Nathan “Hayden” Heidelberg after he was killed in the line of duty earlier this week. Support has poured into the Midland community from around the country.
The service began with bagpipes as Officer Heidelberg’s family was led into the church’s sanctuary. Heidelberg was shot and killed by a homeowner on March 5th, when he was mistaken for a home invader.
During the funeral, his fellow officers described Heidelberg known as Hayden by friends and family as a kind, strong, and joyful man. Holding back his emotions, Midland Police Chief Seth Herman lamented to those gathered how hard this experience has been.
He said, “I will never be as good of a man as Hayden. He was a warrior in every sense of the word." He went, "Ladies and gentlemen, I can give you no comfort in this time of sorrow. I can’t even comfort myself. I can give you no words of solace. I can do nothing to take this pain because if I could I would.”
Deputy Chief Greg McCright said MPD is doing its best to support its officers during this time.
“Like any family, we come together. We huddle in close. We take care of each other.”
Heidelberg was awarded the medal of valor for his service. The highest honor that can be bestowed upon a Midland Police Officer. He’s survived by his mother and father and three sisters. He was 28.
