Police Officer Celena Charise Hollis, Denver Police Department, Colorado

Police Officer Celena Charise Hollis

Denver Police Department, Colorado

End of Watch Sunday, June 24, 2012

Celena Charise Hollis

Police Officer Celena Hollis was shot and killed while attempting to break up a fight at a jazz festival in Denver's City Park shortly after 8:00 pm.

Two groups of people had begun to fight and Officer Hollis intervened, attempting to stop the fight. One of the subjects involved in the fight opened fire with a handgun, striking Officer Hollis in the head. She was transported to a local hospital where she succumbed to her wounds.

One subject was taken into custody at the scene and charged with first degree murder. He subsequently pleaded guilty to second degree murder and was sentenced to 26 years in prison.

Officer Hollis had served with the Denver Police Department for seven years and acted as the president of the Denver Black Police Officers Organization. She had previously served with the Detroit Police Department for four years. She is survived by her daughter.

Bio

Age 32
Tour 11 years
Badge 05162

Incident Details

Cause Gunfire
Weapon Handgun
Offender Sentenced to 26 years

Most Recent Reflection

View all 478 Reflections

Celena, you are always spoken of with respect and admiration for how you lived your life and for your service until the end. As the lines on the Denver Police Department memorial says, "If their names, remembered, give us courage, their sacrifice shall not have been in vain." You give faith and courage to all of us. Smile on!

Tina Lewis Rowe
Captain, Denver Police Department (ret.)
U.S. Marshal, Colorado (ret.)

February 12, 2017