Friends, Colleagues Remember & Mourn Randall County Sergeant Christopher Mays

End of Watch. Three words we never want to hear, because it means we have a fallen officer.

Randall County Sheriff's Office unexpectedly lost one of their own Tuesday, May 18th as Sergeant Christopher Shayne Mays passed away.

There are few known details surrounding his passing. An autopsy was conducted in Lubbock on May 19, but that is not what anyone is truly focused on. This is a man who dedicated his life to public service and protecting others, and he did it for 24 years in our area.

Sgt. Mays worked for the Randall County Sheriff's Office for the past 10 years. He also had a long stint at the Canyon Police Department. With the news of his passing, there has been an outpouring of support for him and some wonderful tributes.

Kevin Brewer is a former colleague of Mays who worked with him at Potter County and memorialized his fallen friend in the best way possible. "He was an awesome man. Hard working always friendly. Willing to help when and wherever he could."

His memories of Mays seem to echo with what everyone else has mentioned about him so far. When I asked him if he could elaborate a bit about a specific memory, he said he needed some time as he couldn't talk about him without tearing up.

Brewer's response can be assumed to echo the sentiments of an entire community served by the late officer. Stacy Torbert Hand wrote to me and spoke of Mays glowingly stating, "Sgt. Mays was a friend and co-worker who was extremely knowledgeable. He was a skilled law enforcement officer. He personified protecting and serving. He will be missed."

Sgt. Mays leaves behind his wife Leticia, and 2 children. One of those children is a graduating high school senior this year. Our deepest condolences to his family, friends and all who knew him. And to Sgt. Christopher Shayne Mays, we thank you truly and sincerely for your service.