Rows of uniformed Jefferson County sheriff’s deputies occasionally dabbed at their teary eyes while in court Friday to pay respects to a lost colleague.
The driver who hit and killed in a snowy traffic accident was sentenced in Jefferson County court to 10 days in jail, two years of supervised probation and 240 hours of community service.
Blair Gledhill, 23, stood before the court and gave an emotional apology to the family of Sgt. Sean Renfro, whom she hit and killed in January when she lost control of her vehicle on snow-covered U.S. 285 near Conifer.
“I’m sorry,” Gledhill said. “I know that saying sorry over and over again doesn’t change anything.”
In front of the court and via video, Renfro’s family and friends spoke about his kindness, humor, and dedication to his faith and loved ones .
“Everything I knew myself to be is now gone,” Renfro’s wife, Crystal, said in a video statement. “I will forever miss his kindness.”
Throughout the speeches honoring Renfro’s life, many expressed forgiveness to Gledhill, stressing that Renfro would have wanted the best for her.
“I choose to forgive her and not hold anger and resentment in my heart,” said Heather Nassimbene, Sean Renfro’s sister. “She is in my prayers.”
Jefferson County Sheriff Jeff Shrader spoke highly of Renfro in court. “There is no sentence that is going to replace the loss of Sgt. Sean Renfro, but I think the judge found a nice balance,” Shrader said after the sentencing.
to two counts of careless driving causing injury.
On Friday, Gledhill again admitted to her mistakes behind the wheel.
“I made a mistake in being overconfident in my driving and being impatient,” Gledhill said.
She added that, in an effort to avoid slamming on her breaks on the icy roads, she tried to pass the cars in front of her and lost control of her own vehicle in the process.
Renfro had stopped on the side of the road to help direct traffic after a multicar crash, shuttling a out of one car into his vehicle so they could stay warm and be safe.
When Gledhill lost control of her vehicle, she crossed over the median, hitting two people — Renfro and a friend — and a vehicle.
A passenger in Gledhill’s vehicle was injured, and a state trooper who also was directing traffic at the accident scene was hurt by debris.
Gledhill faced a possible jail sentence of one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
The judge said he hopes Gledhill, during her hours of service, would be able to speak to the community about slowing down and being a responsible driver.
Elizabeth Hernandez: 303-954-1223, ehernandez@denverpost.com or @ehernandez
