SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 502

In Memory

of

Melissa Pollard

WHEREAS, Deputy Melissa Pollard of the Wood County Sheriff's Office died in the line of duty on April 9, 2025, at the age of 47, and her untimely passing has brought a heartbreaking loss to her family, her fellow officers, and her community; and

WHEREAS, Born on March 14, 1978, in Paris, Texas, to Leonard Keith and Pamela Vickers Pollard, Melissa Pollard grew up with the companionship of two sisters, Kelee and Angela; she embarked on a career in law enforcement in Collin County in 2003, and she remained there for a decade before transferring to Fannin County in 2013; and

WHEREAS, Deputy Pollard had been a valued member of the Wood County Sheriff's Office since 2016; she fulfilled her duties with honor, skill, and compassion, and she greatly benefited her department through her efforts to train and mentor newer recruits; over the course of her 22-year career, she furthered her professional development by earning certifications as an advanced peace officer, field training officer, instructor, training coordinator, jailer, and school-based law enforcement officer; in recognition of her service and sacrifice, she was awarded the Police Cross; and

WHEREAS, Outside of her professional endeavors, Deputy Pollard was an active supporter of Project Lifesaver, a program that assists individuals with cognitive disorders, and she tirelessly advocated for the well-being of animals through her involvement with the SPCA; and

WHEREAS, Deeply devoted to her family, Deputy Pollard was the loving mother of a daughter, Sydney, as well as the doting "Mimi" of three grandchildren, Cayden, Evelynn, and Khai; she also adored her two Great Danes, Apollo and Nova, and she enjoyed spending her leisure time fishing and tending to her garden; and

WHEREAS, Melissa Pollard dedicated her life to her loved ones and to the welfare of her community, and although she is deeply missed, she will remain a source of inspiration to all who were fortunate enough to know her; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the memory of Deputy Melissa Pollard and extend heartfelt condolences to the members of her family: to her daughter, Sydney Locke, and her husband, Curtis; to her grandchildren, Cayden, Evelynn, and Khai; to her sisters, Kelee Tarno and her husband, John, and Angela Fein and her husband, Josh; to her partner, Michael Cotton, and his grandson, Easton; to her nieces and nephews, Ashlynn, Marissa, Joisalyn, Shayla, Haegan, Keithan, David, and Logan and his wife, Reagan; and to her other relatives and friends and to her brothers and sisters in blue; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared for her family and that when the Texas Senate adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Melissa Pollard.

Hughes

________________________________

President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on May 6, 2025, by a rising vote.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate