Fielder's Choice

In my book, it's all good when talking about Gary Looney.

I was stunned, as everyone else, Sunday morning when I received word that the Byhalia police chief had died.

I've been blessed during my 34 years in the newspaper business to work with a lot of dedicated law enforcement officers. Chief Looney was one of the best, one of my all-time favorites.

When I called him, he answered. Or if he was busy, he would call me back, and quickly.

And on the flip side, if Chief Looney called me to give me some news, I would answer or certainly call him back soon.

Then I'd either get in my vehicle and drive to Byhalia, or we would take care of it over the phone ­ whatever "Chief" preferred.

He was loved and respected by the people of Byhalia and Marshall County as a whole.

When we got together to talk about a crime report for the newspaper, we'd never leave without talking about family. He loved his family.

It was great seeing Chief Looney at other functions, too, like when he was always at the baseball field in recent years watching his son Zane play. I think we spoke to each other and had a conversation no matter where I saw him.

We'd talk police work. We'd talk baseball. We'd talk about a lot of things.

He was a source for me, as far as news, but even more importantly, he became a good friend.

Chief Looney gained confidence in me as a newspaper man. And I gained confidence in him as a chief.

We'd talk both on the record and off.

He trusted me. I trusted him.

He knew that when he gave me a crime report, I would handle it the right way. Most of all, he knew it would be accurate.

His door was always open for me, and likewise mine for him.

Bottom line ­ Chief Looney was a good man.

When I think of a good man, I think of traits like integrity, honesty, self-confidence, positive, faithful, knowledgeable.

He was calm, cool and collected.

Those traits, and many more good ones, definitely describe Chief Looney.

The Town of Byhalia has suffered a great loss. Marshall County has suffered a great loss.

But most of all, during this time, we must remember that his loving family has suffered the greatest loss. Keep the Looney family in your prayers as they deal with this shocking loss.

I've lost a lot of good friends in recent years, and it's been difficult for me to remove their cell phone numbers from my "contacts list."

Chief Looney will definitely be one of those.

I realize there will be someone else to call to get the police news I need out of the Town of Byhalia. And know I will develop a similar relationship with whoever follows in his footsteps, which by the way will be hard to fill.

But in my mind, there's only one Chief Looney.

He was unique. He was special. This newspaperman will miss him.

Rest in peace, "Chief."