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Cambria County Sheriff Kolar was ‘the best boss’

Cambria County is in mourning following the death Wednesday night of Sheriff Bob Kolar, who served for 22 years.

“It’s a sad day for our courthouse, our county and our region,” Cambria County President Commissioner Tom Chernisky said Thursday.

Kolar, 75, had a 40-year career in law enforcement as a former Pennsylvania State Trooper and had served as a U.S. Marine, according to Chief Deputy Don Robertson.

“We’re pretty devastated here (in the Sheriff’s Department), Robertson said. “Sheriff Kolar was the best boss you could ever work for. He was one of a kind. He put a smile on everyone’s face and was very easy going.”

Robertson first met Kolar about 25 years ago when Robertson served with the Johnstown Police Department. Robertson joined the sheriff’s department in 2017.

“(Kolar) taught me how to treat people. He treated people exactly the same no matter who they were — from high ranking political officials on down. He treated everyone equally and fairly,” said Robertson, who joined the sheriff’s department in 2017. He said that Kolar had intended to seek a seventh term as sheriff.

Kolar had been ill for about a month. A cause of death wasn’t announced.

“He was extremely professional and people loved him,” Chernisky said. “He was a class act and did his job well. We will miss him.”

Kolar was well known around the courthouse for his smile, warm greetings and friendly conversations.

“He generated a great atmosphere here,” Robertson said. “He will live on forever here.”

In his honor, the Cambria County Courthouse entrance will be illuminated in blue light Friday and Saturday nights.

Kolar is survived by his son, Bob Jr., daughter-in-law, Heather, and three grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements were incomplete Thursday, but were to be posted on the Sheriff’s Department’s web page.

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