04/19/02  Chief Willard Rollins

On April 10, former Exec. Asst. Chief Willard Rollins died of colon cancer.  

This poor man was hounded by many for not reporting an alleged car accident he had.  I believe the punishment Chief Bolton gave him was too severe, and that stress caused his early death.  

I was late to the funeral service, but there were many people and Dallas police officers in the church.  It was disappointing that Chief Bolton and others high up in the DPD were not there.  Chief Bolton should have at least appeared out of respect for a former officer.  I guess he was too busy trying to appear as though he is doing a great job.  

Perhaps Bolton does have a conscience, since Bolton's mistakes have been greater than not reporting an accident that may or may not have happened.  After all, Bolton halted all police inspections of sex clubs in the Bachman Lake area when Al Lipscomb got $7,000 from Nick Rizzo to make it happen.  Bolton also cost our city millions of dollars through lawsuits.  I am a forgiving person, but I dislike Bolton.  He is no leader and should be replaced.  Every time the city finds itself in a police scandal or problem, Bolton is out of town and unavailable to answer questions.  I hope he is replaced in the not to distant future.

I just want to express my gratitude for Chief Rollins who lost his life so young.  His minister said he never felt sorry for himself because he believed God was in control, but Chief Rollins did look for a way to regain his name and reputation.  As far as I am concerned, Chief Rollins' name will always be one I respect.  I am very sorry that his wife and two sons have been robbed of growing old with him. 

May he rest in peace.  And may God be merciful on all those ambitious people who hurt him.

        Mary Lou Montes Zijderveld