The City of Helena is mourning the loss of retired police chief Ray Rollan this week.

Rollan died last Thursday.

Originally from Blackville, S.C., Rollan began his law enforcement career in 1974 as a patrol officer with the city of Helena.

In 1975 he was named Shelby County&8217;s Police Officer of The Year.

In 1982 he was appointed Chief of Police for the Helena Police Department.

&8220;He introduced honor, dignity, and professional law enforcement growth during his time of service,&8221; a release by the Helena police department read.

&8220;Ray Rollan led by example and served as a father figure to all of his officers, police personnel and the community.&8221;

Under his leadership, the department doubled in size from seven to fourteen officers.

He initiated several specialized divisions within the department, which include, D.A.R.E, neighborhood watch, and the award winning Helena Police Explorer Program. He also introduced police K-9 units to the force, which was the first in Shelby County.

He has also served as the Public Safety Coordinator for the city for several years. Rollan retired from the force in June 2000.

&8220;Chief Rollan was instrumental in initiating the civil service law which regulates the hiring of new city employees and protects current employees,&8221; the letter read.

Funeral and memorial services for Rollan were held on Saturday and Monday