In memory of Deputy Melissa Pollard of the Wood County Sheriff’s Office.
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 House of Representatives of the 89th Texas
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 House of
Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Melissa
Pollard.
