Memorial Dedicated To Slain Denver Police Officer Celena Hollis

DENVER (AP/CBS4) - Two years after her death, a memorial to a slain Denver police officer now stands in City Park.

Officials dedicated the memorial to Celena Hollis on Tuesday. She was shot and killed on June 24, 2012 while trying to break up a disturbance during a crowded concert at the park.

The memorial includes a sign and a bench with the inscription "Blessed are the Peacemakers." Hollis frequently patrolled City Park.

One of Hollis' fellow officers says the loss has been incredibly difficult but hopefully the bench will serve as a small reminder of her legacy.

"We'll never forget, it still hurts but we have to move forward, we will move forward, but we won't forget at all," Officer Everett Moore said.

Rollin Oliver is serving a 26-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to second-degree murder in Hollis' death. His lawyers have said he was being chased by gang members when he drew his weapon.

Hollis was the first female officer in the department to be killed in the line of duty. City leaders spoke about Hollis' commitment to public service. She served not only as a Denver police officer but previously as a Detroit officer. She left behind a 13-year-old daughter.

LINK: Celena Hollis Foundation

More Celena Hollis Stories

(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)