Mother of officer killed in 2007: Community support provides ‘great comfort’

BY MAC & GAYDOS

Mar 4, 2014, 10:56 PM

The mother of a Phoenix police officer who was killed in the line of duty in 2007 is one of the few people who can offer a peek into the lives of the John Hobbs family, as they reel from his on-duty slaying Monday.

Nancy Bonner, mother of the late Anthony Holly — an officer who was killed during a routine traffic stop on Feb. 19, 2007 — joined the Mac & Gaydos show on Tuesday to describe the emotions and aftermath of losing a family member in such a tragedy.

“Whenever we hear of an officer down, our hearts and thoughts go immediately to the family,” Bonner said of discovering the news of Hobbs’ death.

She went on to describe the unique challenges facing the families of police officers, specifically as it relates to the stress and worry that come with the job.

“You really can’t allow yourself to think about it too much, or you won’t be able to function,” she explained.

Now, as the Hobbs family grieves over the death of their loved one, Bonner said support from the city — in the form of roadside memorials, bumper stickers and the like — actually go a long way, even if they’re not immediately recognized.

“Once we got through the initial grief and realized the support out there (from the community), it really was of great comfort to us,” she told the show after explaining that the family was likely still in a state of shock from the tragedy.

“You really have to lean on each other, really for the rest of your life.”

Bryan Wayne Husley, the man convicted in the death of Holly, still hasn’t faced trial. He has been in custody for over seven years.