DOUGLAS COUNTY, CO — In a deeply emotional ceremony ahead of Memorial Day, Douglas County Sheriff Darren Weekly officially swore in Vietnam Veteran and local resident Leo Hrdlicka as an honorary sheriff’s deputy. The distinction recognizes Leo’s extraordinary 60-year mission to find his brother, U.S. Air Force Pilot David Hrdlicka, who was shot down during the Vietnam War and never returned home.
To honor this lifelong legacy of devotion and sacrifice, Sheriff Weekly also presented Hrdlicka with the POW/MIA flag that flew directly over the Douglas County Justice Center headquarters.
The ceremony brought forward a powerful, personal moment of connection between the Sheriff and the newly sworn-in honorary deputy. Sheriff Weekly shared with those in attendance the story of his own father, also a Vietnam Veteran, who was exposed to Agent Orange during his service and tragically passed away from cancer at just 51 years old.
“Leo, looking at your life and your 60-year mission to find your brother, David, it is clear you exemplify our agency’s core values of Honor, Service, and Valor,” said Sheriff Darren Weekly. “My own father served in Vietnam, was exposed to Agent Orange, and passed away from cancer at the age of 51. It is my absolute privilege to welcome you into our agency family and present you with this flag—the very one that flew over our headquarters—as a symbol of our profound respect for your service and David’s ultimate sacrifice.”
As Douglas County observes Memorial Day, a day dedicated to honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office invites the community to join us in thanking Deputy Leo Hrdlicka for his continued service, remembering his brother David, and supporting all military families who carry the weight of a loved one’s sacrifice.
