Posted: Fri, 10 Apr 2015 07:17 PM - 30,471 Readers

By: Bettie Cross

A Travis County Deputy who lost her life in the line of duty is about to get a national honor. Senior Deputy Jessica Hollis was checking a low water crossing near Lake Austin, when she was swept away by the strong current. It's a sacrifice that will now be honored in Washington D.C. It's the latest effort to remember a wife, mother and dedicated deputy.

273 officers will be honored this year for making the ultimate sacrifice. Their names will be added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington D.C. One of those names is that of Travis County Senior Deputy Jessica Hollis.

Small heartfelt tributes mark the spot where Deputy Hollis was swept away by rising floodwaters. Flowers, ribbons, a wreath are here six months after the creek west of Austin surged out of its banks covering Fritz Hughes Park Road with a foot of water.

"It was so dark," said Roger Wade, Public Information Officer for the Travis County Sheriff's Office.

He watched the search for Deputy Hollis and was there when her patrol car was recovered. He says she didn't realize the danger.

"The water rushing across the road didn't look that deep," said Wade.

Roadside tributes are temporary reminders to avoid flooded streets. But the foundation has been laid for a permanent monument to ensure no one else loses their life at the western Travis County low water crossing.

"It just takes a few inches of water to wash your car off the road and put your life in danger," said Wade.

A street is now named in honor of Deputy Hollis and her badge number stretches across the same two lane road. But the national recognition she will be given in Washington D.C is perhaps the greatest tribute to the deputy's sacrifice.

"No agency wants their deputies or officers to be on a memorial wall, but we are quite honored that her name will be on the national wall and everyone will know that she was a proud servant of Travis County," said Wade.

The slab has been poured for the local tribute to Deputy Hollis. The rest of the monument should be in place by the end of April. Then a few weeks later, in May, the deputy's story and sacrifice will be remembered in Washington D.C

*  Story Contributed by: Bettie Cross