By Wenjing Ding
Published Oct. 2, 2022, by Gannett | USA Today Network – The Patriot Ledger
QUINCY – Sorrow hung over St. Mary’s Parish on Saturday morning as Quincy police officers dressed in full uniform stood to honor Alfred Hollis, a fellow officer who was killed in the line of duty during a burglary 95 years ago.
Police officers, city workers, and relatives of Hollis attended a headstone ceremony at St. Mary’s Cemetery to honor him. More than 200 people turned out to pay their respects.
“Quincy police will never forget his service. Police family will never forget him,” said Quincy Police Chief Paul Keenan.
Hollis was shot and killed on Oct. 4, 1927, when he and his partner responded to a burglary call at a hardware store, The Patriot Ledger reported at the time. Hollis was the fifth police officer from Quincy killed in the line of duty and no one has been killed since, according to the Officer Down Memorial Page. He is also the only Quincy officer fatally shot on the job.
Police officer Alfred Hollis was shot and killed when he and his partner responded to a burglary call at a Quincy hardware store in 1927.
“Quincy police officer Hollis did a great job. We must always remember that our police officers risk their lives every day to keep us safe,” Glenn Ryan, a resident who attended the ceremony, said.
Hollis, 32, served with the Quincy Police Department for one year. He was survived by his wife and three children. On Saturday, Hollis’ grandson Robert Miller, granddaughter Marilyn Findley and several great- and great-great-grandchildren attended his service.
As the bagpipes played, police officers and attendees entered the cemetery field to learn about their hero and pay their respects. Some were moved to tears.
“We are here today to honor the service and sacrifice of former Quincy police officer Alfred Hollis, who gave his life in the line of duty,” St. Mary’s Pastor Lou Palmieri said during his opening remarks.
Lt. Mark Kennedy, president of the Quincy Police Officers Mutual Aid Association, said, “The Quincy police family will never forget Alfred Hollis. We needed to do something … to make sure he is never forgotten.”
Miller and Findley thanked everyone for attending the ceremony. They brought their ancestor’s police cap to the ceremony and told stories about his life. They thanked the Quincy Police Department for its strong support.
“It was just very special for the families. Emotional but very touching,” said Miller. “My grandfather’s headstone was really small before, and difficult to find. We’re grateful for the new headstone ceremony that was completed today.”
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