9-Year-Old Wins Award In Memory Of Fallen Officer

DENVER (CBS4) - A 9-year-old boy has been honored for carrying on the spirit of a Denver police officer killed in the line of duty.

Officer Celina Hollis was shot during a jazz concert at City Park earlier this summer. Family and friends say Hollis was an inspiration to young people by helping them stay on the right path in life.

Jared Hodisin was the recipient of the first ever Hollis Citizenship Award. He got out of his football uniform and dressed up for his big award on Monday, but what was more impressive than his fancy clothes were his words.

Hodisin is going into the fifth grade. The award recognizes a youngster who exhibits both leadership and kindness. He says he wants to be a role model for his friends and his younger brother and sister.

"I think it's because that way they don't get in trouble while life goes on," Hodisin said. "So they just do good in life and they always go to school."

As part of his award, the aspiring NFL player gets to go to a Denver Broncos practice and a preseason game.