Police Officer Celena Charise Hollis

Police Officer Celena Charise Hollis

Denver Police Department, Colorado

End of Watch Sunday, June 24, 2012

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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

fight call

Most Recent Reflection

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Heavenly Father, You are Compassionate and Merciful. None of America’s Peace Officers leave home without the fear of not returning at the end of their watch. It is a fear that is lived daily. Unfortunately, the worst does sometimes come to pass, and lives are left shattered. Lord God, bless and keep the hearts and souls of those who have lost loved ones in the line of duty. Wipe away the tears from their eyes. Soothe their pain and bind up their emotional wounds through the wounds of Your beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. In His name, and by His authority, I pray. Amen.

Please find Encouragement, Comfort, Support, and Hope from God's Word:

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
[Matthew 5:9 ESV];

"Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." [Psalm 23:4 ESV];

"Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
[John 15:13 ESV];

"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." [Matthew 5:4 ESV];

"And he [Jesus] said to him, "Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." [Luke 23:43 ESV], and;

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." [John 3:16 ESV].

Minister Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NACM
Ordained Independent NACM Minister
I'M PRAYING MINISTRY: Devoted to Prayer and God's Word
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA

Captain Steven R. Closs (Retired)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

June 24, 2025

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