Letter to the Editor - Bob Holder

Dear Editor,

As Sheriff Bob Holder's time as sheriff comes to a close, on behalf of the citizens of Dunklin County, I would like to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude for his service and selfless dedication. Although it doesn't seem like enough, I would like to say, “Thank you”.

Bob Holder has served Dunklin County as our Sheriff for the past twenty-eight years. During that time period, he has gone above and beyond the duties of his job description. There are too many examples to name them all, but a few immediately come to mind. It is not uncommon when the yoga ladies arrive to class at 4:45 a.m. to spot Sheriff Holder parked to make sure everyone gets to class safely. Another example took place this spring when the Tumbling Tribe had their annual lock in. While walking to Mitchell Park for a little early morning fun, a little girl said to one of the adults in charge, “I see a man following us in a truck. He has been watching us since we left the gym.” Of course this was Sheriff Holder keeping a close eye on the safety of the group. I'm sure if I asked around, there would be so many stories like this we couldn't list them all. Sheriff Holder is never asked to be in these situations or places, he just shows up always looking out for the safety and well being of others.

If you go to the nursing homes or funeral homes you are likely to run into Sheriff Holder visiting and comforting others. He is a common face at the ball games and many other community events as well. He is very active in the First Baptist Church and he is a fine Christian man. We have been blessed to have had him as our sheriff for nearly thirty years.

I personally worked with Sheriff Holder at the Dunklin County Jail and Justice Center when I was teaching GED classes there. He was always fair and polite to his employees, visitors, and inmates alike. He treated everyone with integrity and kindness.

I know this letter is only mentioning the tip of the iceberg as to all that Sheriff Holder has done for Dunklin County and its citizens, but I wanted to publicly thank him for his service.

Sheriff Holder, I hope you enjoy your retirement and congratulations on a job very well done! You will leave a great legacy and an amazing example for others to follow.

Sincerely,

Eky Combs