The social media profiles of many Dubliners were changed to a black cross with a red line over the weekend in honor of fallen Dublin Volunteer Firefighter Jesse Rollins—a native son known for his service to community and country.
Rollins, a 2002 Dublin High School graduate, tragically fell in a shooting incident currently under investigation by the Erath County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Rangers.
According to a press release by ECSO, the department received a call in the late hours of Friday, Feb. 10 reporting a shooting at Riata mobile home park (Private Road 1610).
The caller reportedly stated that two individuals had been shot. The release stated that deputies found Jesse Rollins and his brother Ray Rollins with gunshots wounds at the scene who were transported to Texas Health Resources Stephenville Hospital, where Jesse reportedly died from his injuries. Ray Rollins was treated for reportedly non-life threatening injuries.
Responding officers detained the alleged shooter, Marcus Anderson, for questioning who was later released. ECSO reported that there are no threats to the public. The investigation is ongoing and more information will be released as it becomes available.
“Investigators from the Erath County Sheriff’s Office have been conducting a number of witness interviews. Investigators have also been looking through various pieces of physical evidence collected along with digital evidence that was collected,” said Sheriff Matt Coates in a statement released Tuesday, Feb. 14. “No arrest has been made at this time although the alleged shooter and additional victim have been identified and questioned... In shooting incidents, where deadly force was used and the use of that deadly force resulted in the death of another, the investigation must attempt to uncover factors required in determining if an arrest should be made.”
“Upon completion of this investigation the full results of the investigation will be delivered to the Erath County District Attorney’s Office for review. Determination will then be made as to if or when any charges would/should be filed,” said Coates. “We understand that this is a traumatic time, and our hearts and prayers go out to the families of all parties involved.”
Funeral services for Jesse will be held in the coming weeks and information will be shared as it becomes available.
Rollins is known to many in the community for his service as a member of the Dublin Volunteer Fire Department and an officer in the American Legion Post 219.
Rollins enlisted as a Marine shortly after high school and returned a veteran of the Iraq War in 2005, when he was named Grand Marshal of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin along with his brother, Ray Rollins and Brandon Moyer, fellow veterans and members of the Marines.
Through his service in the American Legion, he helped unveil additions to the Veterans Memorial wall by the Dublin Public Library, helped preside over Veterans Day and Memorial Day ceremonies and donated time to projects like refurbishing the flag pole at the old Dublin Cemetery.
Jesse worked at Rigg’s in Stephenville and worked his way up to management at Crane Nuclear.
Jesse enjoyed spending spare time working on cars and projects with his brother, Ray, which inspired them to open Jarhead Fabrication Company in 2020. In addition to doing local projects and fulfilling international orders, Jar Head crafted and donated the Vietnam Veterans Memorial marker on display by the memorial wall.
Jesse was the son of Betty Rollins and Raymond L. Rollins Sr. and was a dedicated husband to Julie Rollins and father to Chloey and Westin Rollins.