HOUSTON – Jack Bailey was entrusted with the critical task of protecting the former mayor and congressman from the moment he assumed office as the 62nd Mayor of Houston.
Bailey quickly rose to become the head of Turner’s security detail, a role that not only offered him a unique insight into the man he was safeguarding but also led to a blossoming friendship over time.
“When I heard the news, I was like, I couldn’t believe it,” Bailey recalled, as he reflected on Turner’s death.
When asked about traveling with Turner to Washington, Bailey explained, “I didn’t have to. I took care of him here. Capitol police took care of him up there. But I was going to make a trip up there just to check things out, but I didn’t get a chance to.”
Bailey emphasized Turner’s unwavering dedication to serving Houston, a city he deeply loved. “That’s what he loved to do,” Bailey continued. “He said as long as he had gas in the tank, he was going to continue to do that. And that’s what he did.”
One of Bailey’s fondest memories with Turner revolved around a mutual understanding and respect for each other. “We would talk, and I always had to tell him, I don’t tell you how to run a city, don’t tell me how to protect you. And so, we never had an issue. Never had an issue on anything,” Bailey told KPRC 2.