Much More Than a Pretty Face

In our society there is still a tendency to think of a police officer as a big strapping male, not as a beautiful woman.  But women have been serving for a long time, and serving with distinction.

One such woman is Denver, Colorado, Officer Celena Hollis.

Officer Hollis transferred to the Denver Police Department in 2005 after serving with the Detroit Police Department as a patrol officer and member of the street crime unit. She has been recognized numerous times for her service to the community, and served as the president of the Denver Police Department 's Black Police Officers Organization.

But recently a 21-year-old gang member shot Officer Hollis in the head while she attempted to break up a fight at a jazz concert. She succumbed to her wounds from the shooting, leaving behind a 12-year-old daughter.

The Denver Police Department issued a statement that read in part, "She was an amazing person with an engaging smile who was well liked and respected by her colleagues and the community she served."

We know her only by her record of service and that engaging smile as seen in the photo, and we can only shake our heads in sadness over this miserable crime.