Navajo police escort retired Lt. Bennie Shirley, who served 43 years
The Navajo Police Department escorted the funeral procession of retired Lt. Bennie Shirley of Kinlichee, Arizona, on Wednesday morning. Shirley died Aug. 28 at the age of 84, after 43 years with the department. The procession ran from St. Michaels to the Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Chinle.
Gallup Today Staff
Newsroom · September 2, 2026 · 1 min read · Updated
The Navajo Police Department escorted the funeral procession of retired Lt. Bennie Shirley on Wednesday morning, honouring 43 years of service.
Shirley, of Kinlichee, Arizona, died on Aug. 28, 2026, at the age of 84. The procession began at Green Meadows Funeral Home in St. Michaels, Arizona, continued to the Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Chinle and was to go on from there to his final resting place.
The department said generations of its officers began their careers under Shirley's guidance and friendship, and that the years he served will continue to leave an impact on them. "We will miss him dearly," it said, and sent its condolences to the Shirley family.
The department thanked the people who have reached out over the past few days to offer the family support.
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