William Holder

Retired Police Officer William “Bill” Holder served Colorado with distinction for more than 14 years, dedicating his life to protecting others until catastrophic, line-of-duty injuries forced his early retirement. His legacy is one of bravery, community advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to service—even in the face of life-altering adversity.

Bill began his career with the Brighton Police Department in 1987, where he quickly distinguished himself through leadership and expertise. He served as a Nunchaku Instructor, Defensive Tactics and Arrest Control Instructor, Field Training Officer, and Standard Field Sobriety Test Instructor. As a Detective with the North Metro Drug Taskforce, he helped take dangerous criminals off the streets. His valor was formally recognized through several commendations, including the Medal of Valor and the Purple Heart for Injured Officers from the National Association of Chiefs of Police.

Throughout his service, Bill endured multiple traumatic injuries—including high-speed collisions and a direct head-on impact with a drunk driver. Over time, these incidents caused progressive damage to his neck and spine, ultimately leading to degenerative disc disease and traumatic myelopathy.

In July 2001, Bill transferred to the Commerce City Police Department, where training demands proved too severe for his worsening condition. Repeated leg failure during physical drills led to his resignation under duress, and within weeks, he underwent major cervical spinal surgery. He was later determined by the Fire and Police Pension Association (FPPA) to be permanently occupationally disabled due to his spinal injuries sustained in the line of duty.

Despite ongoing surgeries in 2011, 2015, and 2016—including multiple spinal fusions and the placement of rods and screws in his neck and back—Bill’s condition deteriorated. He now lives with severe traumatic myelomalacia, spinal cord damage, spinal stenosis, radiculopathy, and DISH disease, a progressive hardening of the joints. These injuries severely limit his mobility and prevent him from fully participating in family life. He is also allergic to all opioids and related medications, making pain management extremely difficult.

Bill and his wife—also a former police officer—have been married for over 20 years and have two sons: Bryce, 21, and Zach, 16, who is autistic. While Bill has always been a devoted husband and father, his condition has made it impossible to join his family at events, holidays, and simple outings, which has caused emotional strain for them all.

Still, Bill has used his voice and experience to advocate for others. Together with his wife, they successfully passed legislation in Colorado granting lifetime free state park access, hunting, and fishing licenses to all first responders injured in the line of duty—a win for dignity and quality of life.