Gene Bollinger, Former Robertson County Sheriff Dies
Smokey Barn News, December 2, 2013
He was laid to rest on On Sunday December 8th 2013
Gene Bollinger, Former Robertson County Sheriff died Monday evening December 1, 2013, according to a representative with the Robertson County Sheriff’s department, he was 82.
Bollinger was well known and liked in Robertson County and had over 50 years in law enforcement. Gene acquired pneumonia and was hospitalized, after being placed in intensive care he passed the next day. Smokey ran across Bollinger at an event some months ago and he seemed in good spirits and in good health. His passing will no doubt be a shock to many inside and out of law enforcement.
Bollinger was born and raised on a farm in Robertson County, until he graduated from high school. He was the Robertson County Sheriff until he decided to retire in 2010. Bill Holt who worked closely with Bollinger is now the current Sheriff for Robertson County. The two worked very closely for 16 years, so his passing must truly be a shock to Holt.
Bollinger graduated from Greenbrier High School then went on to Cleveland State Community College. He attended the FBI National Academy, the FBI White Collar Crime School the UT Chattanooga Law Enforcement Training School, the Northwestern Management School, the FBI Police Instructors School, the Air Force Non-Commission Officers Supervisor School, the Institute of Police Technology and Management School; needless to say he had an enormous background in law enforcement.
In Bollinger’s own words; “Family values are deeply ingrained within me as one of eleven children born and raised in Robertson County. I married my childhood sweetheart, Ruth Burke, and have a daughter, Beverly Bollinger Webster, who is a school teacher in Robertson County. She and her husband, Tony Webster, have provided us with two lovely grandchildren, Gena Ruth, currently working at the 911 office, and Michael, a student at Middle Tennessee.”
TITLE OF SHERIFF
On October 5th, 2001, Bollinger was appointed by the County Commission to fill the unexpired term of Sheriff Ted Emery following his fatal motorcycle accident in Dayton, Ohio. “I worked as Chief Deputy for eleven years. For 34 years I served in the Tennessee Highway Patrol with the last 10 years being in a leadership management position as District Captain.” Bollinger said after his appointment..
The Robertson County Sheriff office has released the following….
The Robertson County Sheriff’s Office is saddened to announce that former Sheriff Gene Bollinger passed away overnight. Sheriff Bollinger spent over fifty years in public safety including a decorated career with the Tennessee Highway Patrol as well as Chief Deputy and ultimately Sheriff of Robertson County from 2001-2010. Sheriff Bollinger also served as President of the Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association.
“Sheriff Bollinger was a true Christian man who loved the Lord, his family, and his friends and neighbors,” said Captain Donald Bennett, a thirty-two year veteran of the sheriff’s office. “Even though that he was small in stature, he was a giant among men. A leader of many, and an enemy to no one. He was a dedicated public servant to the citizens of this great country, known by thousands through his dedication and professional work ethic and his belief in community. He has passed from this world and entered into his heavenly home. Sheriff Bollinger will be greatly missed by all, but his memory will not be forgotten. God bless the Bollinger family.”
“I had the privilege of working with Sheriff Bollinger for fifteen years,” said Lietuenant Richard Head, commander of the Criminal Investigations Division. I found him to be a public servant loyal to the citizens of Robertson County that taught all of us the meaning of serving our community. I have the utmost respect for him and wish his family the best during these hard times.”
“He was an icon in law enforcement, and was well-respected from border to border,” said Sheriff Bill Holt. “Sheriff Bollinger ended his storied career in law enforcement as Sheriff of Robertson County devoted to helping make the county a better place to live and raise our families. He was instrumental in laying a foundation of professionalism which we are continuing to build on daily. It is with sadness that we come to this point in time. I was blessed to have the opportunity to work under his tutelage for seventeen years. I had the honor of witnessing firsthand the difference he made for the citizens of Robertson County. May God be with the Bollinger family and friends throughout this period of grief.”
According to Austin & Bell Funeral Home,Visitation with the family was held at the Austin & Bell Funeral Home in Springfield on Friday, December 6, 2013 and Saturday, December 7, 2013 from 4-8pm each night and on Sunday at the Springfield Baptist Church from 12:30 pm until the hour of service at 2pm. The burial will be at the Robertson County Memorial Gardens.
Austin & Bell Funeral Home 509 Walnut St, Springfield, TN (615) 384-1000
Springfield Baptist Church 400 N Main St, Springfield, TN (615) 384-3581
Robertson County Memorial Gardens 4005 Memorial Blvd, Springfield, TN (615) 384-5437
Smokey Would like to convey our deepest sympathy to the family of Gene Bollinger as they deal with the loss.
Information for this report was taken from the Robertson County website.
We bring you ALL the News in Robertson County, Tennessee.
