La Plata County Sheriff’s Office Memorial Service on February 11, 2012

**UPDATED 2-7-12 11:30AM MST**

Employees of the La Plata County Sheriff’s Office (Durango, Colorado) are mourning the loss of a career Deputy. On Wednesday, February 1, 2012, 57 year old Hollis Holland went snowmobiling on his day off in the area of Molas Pass, south of Silverton in San Juan County, Colorado. Before he departed, he told his wife, Patricia, his route, destination, where he would park and when he expected to return. When he failed to return as planned, his wife reported him overdue. Holland’s body was found Wednesday night near his snowmobile southeast of the summit of Molas Pass.

Hollis Holland began working for the La Plata County Sheriff’s Office on a part-time basis in 1991, then as a full-time Deputy for 19 years, beginning in 1992. During that time, he received numerous commendations, including being awarded the Badge of Merit in 2002 for leading an investigation that resulted in the arrest of a person who was intentionally starting fires while firefighters were still battling the Missionary Ridge Fire. He received a second Badge of Merit in 2010 when he discovered a fire and rescued a woman who was still in the house and unaware of the fire.

San Juan County Colorado Sheriff, Sue Kurtz, said Holland also worked part-time for her Sheriff’s Office in Silverton since 1993.

Holland leaves behind a wife, two adult sons and two grandchildren.

Burial services were held on Monday, February 6, 2012, in Silverton, Colorado.

The family, La Plata County Sheriff’s Office and San Juan County Sheriff’s Office (Silverton) would like to invite you to attend a Celebration of Life memorial service on Saturday, February 11, 2012, at 2:00 PM. The memorial service will be held at Whalen Gym, Fort Lewis College.

Source: Dan Bender, LPCSO PIO Desk:(970)382-7026
[email protected] Cell:(970)759-5549
La Plata County Sheriff’s Office
742 Turner Drive
Durango, Colorado 81303