SEPT 2023. Blues Vol 39 No. 9

AROUND THE COUNTRY yrs.

AROUND THE COUNTRY yrs. HUDSON, TX. Hudson ISD Police Officer Brian Holley died after suffering a medical emergency while on duty at Bonner Elementary. HUDSON, TX. (KETK) – The Hudson Volunteer Fire Department said that Hudson ISD officer Bryan Holley died while working at Bonner Elementary on Friday. Several Angelina County law enforcement agencies and elected officials shared tributes to Officer Holley on Saturday. “Officer Bryan Holley was a valuable and loved partner of the Hudson Fire Department. He would frequently go outside of his required duties to assist on accidents and other emergencies in the community. He passed away in the performance of his duties. The noble duty of protecting our children each and every day. Standing between them and the evil in this world. And he did it with a smile. He was a great example of an honorable law enforcement officer and friend to all of Hudson’s kids. The Hudson Fire Department will miss Officer Holley. May his family have comfort knowing the impact he had. Rest easy brother!” HUDSON VOLUNTEER FIRE DE- PARTMENT Officials said Hudson VFD was called to Bonner Elementary to assist EMS on a medical call. First responders were working to 26 The BLUES save Officer Holley, but he died, according to Hudson VFD. The Lufkin Police Department shared several photos and the following statement: “REMEMBERING BRYAN HOLLEY: Yesterday the community lost Hudson ISD Police Department Officer Bryan Holley. He was a wonderful man who dedicated his life to protecting and serving the citizens of Angelina County. Bryan suffered a medical issue on duty yesterday afternoon and sadly passed away. He was escorted from the hospital to a local funeral home by Lufkin Fire Department in a procession led by his brothers and sisters in law enforcement. Though Bryan served various agencies throughout his career, he made his final law enforcement home at Hudson’s Bonner Elementary. He spent the past decade there watching over the children and families of Hudson. Bryan was known for finding new ways to inspire smiles and laughter every day. One of his most famous antics was arguably the December he greeted students as “Elf on the Shelf” while perched atop a school awning.” Officer Holley served 17 of his 31 years in law enforcement at the Angelina County Sheriff’s OFFICER BRIAN HOLLEY Office. Angelina County Sheriff Tom Selman shared a statement and photo of officer Holley: “With great sadness, the Angelina County Sheriff’s Department reports that one of our former Lieutenants, Officer Bryan Holley of the Hudson Independent School District, passed away Friday, August 18th while performing his duties at Bonner Elementary School in Hudson. Officer Holley was a 31-year veteran of law enforcement and was much loved by the students, parents and staff of Hudson ISD and by the extended community at large. Bryan began in law enforcement as a deputy constable for Angelina County Precinct One

in 1992. After 4 years of service in Pct. 1, Bryan moved over to the Angelina County Sheriff’s Department where, for nearly 17 years, he worked patrol, as a K-9 officer in narcotics and was a member of the SWAT Team while rising through the ranks to become a Lieutenant and commander of a patrol shift. Officer Holley’s career led him to the Hudson ISD in 2013 where, for the last 10 years, he served the students, staff and parents of Hudson as a school police officer. Bryan was much loved by everyone in Hudson, was admired by his kids and he cared deeply about them. Bryan had a great sense of humor and while on duty, though serious about his job, was always looking to entertain and have a good time with everyone he met to make the school day more fun for all. Bryan cared enough about Angelina County that he expressed a willingness to serve the broader area by submitting himself as a candidate for sheriff in the election of 2020. The loss of Bryan is a shock to the law enforcement community, family and friends. Bryan was married and had children. Please pray for all of them during this difficult time.” ANGELINA COUNTY SHERIFF TOM SELMAN Angelina County Judge Keith N. Wright issued a proclamation stating that all flags at county facilities will be flown at halfmast until the morning of Aug. 28, 2023, in honor of Officer Holley. Lufkin Mayor Mark Hicks also adopted Judge Wright’s proclamation honoring Holley. The BLUES 27