In Memory of John Holloway

Floor Speech

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Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I would like to honor the memory of John Holloway, long-time resident and the City of Highland Park, Michigan's first African-American police officer.

Born in 1932 in Camp Hill, Alabama, John Holloway spent his formative years in the south. He later moved to Michigan at the invitation of his family, where he attended Highland Park Junior College. In November of 1953, he was drafted into the United States Army. After leaving the Army in 1955, John returned to Highland Park and was employed by the United States Postal Service. In 1961, he enlisted in the Air Force Reserves, stationed at Selfridge Air Force Base. He was honorably discharged in June of 1965.

In 1956, John Holloway was hired as a patrolman with the Highland Park Police Department as the first African American officer in the city's history. During his thirty-eight-year tenure, Officer Holloway faced many obstacles, including blatant racism. He was one of the few officers who earned each rank by passing the civil service exams required for promotion, rising through the ranks as patrolman, corporal, detective, sergeant, lieutenant, and captain. In 1979, John was appointed as the city's first African American Chief of Police by Mayor Jesse Miller. He continued to serve until he retired from the department in 1994, holding the rank of Executive Captain.

John Holloway was an active member of the Highland Park community. Outside of his public service as a police officer, he served on many civic organizations including as the first African American president of the Highland Park Goodfellows, the Highland Park Board of Education and the Highland Park Community College Board of Trustees for over 30 years. He was an active member of the Highland Park Lions Club and the Association of Retired Highland Park Police and Firemen, where he served as president until his death. John Holloway loved spending time with his family and traveling. He was especially proud of earning his bachelor's degree from Mercy College of Detroit at the age of 44.

Please join me in in recognizing his many contributions to Michigan 13th District Strong as we mourn his loss.

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