Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Sgt. Von Colln,
On today, the 50th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice as a Law Enforcement Officer. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

August 29, 2020

Rest in peace always knowing that your service and sacrifice are forever remembered by your fellow law enforcement.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 29, 2020

My name is William Dea I grew up in Fairmount 23rd and Parrish. I have played ball on Von Colln field when I was a kid that for numbers of years like many of my friends infringe before before then show on and so forth at 23rd and Pennsylvania Ave for the Fairmount Sports Association. Now we are having a problem there are people camping there putting the sign over all serve on Collins Memorial to the ball field saying no police line on the season is getting ready to open up two other children who play ball there every year ages all colors Creeds does not matter but everything is being held up from these people that are desecrating the memorial Von Collin baseball field at 23rd in the parkway it would be a great help if someone would get in touch with Fairmount Sports Association and trying to help us get these people off of Officer Von Collins Memorial Field so that these children can play their summer games like they have been doing for years and years before me and I hope many more years after I am gone I am 54 years old now my Sunday and also play damn there he won a few 3 championship games you are so many memories down there and there are people that are causing nothing but havoc and refused to leave we need help is there anyone who reads this could please keep in touch with the Fairmount Sports Association thank you

William Dea
Supporters

June 23, 2020

Sergeant Frank Bob Colin will never ever be forgotten. May his soul forever rest peacefully in Heaven.

First Sergeant Thomas Webb, Retired, NYSP

January 13, 2020

I was 8 months old when you passed, sadly I do not remember you. I was always told how great a man you were. I have tried to live up to your standards.

We all love you.

Christopher Von COLLN
Grandson

February 3, 2018

You were many things, Philadelphia Police Officer,Friend, Brother,Husband,Father, but to me you are the grandfather who was taken by a cowerd before I drew my first breath. Taken before I ever had the chance to see you face or hug you. Even still I have always felt your presence in my life. I love you

Michael C Mander
Grandson

August 29, 2017

Rest in peace brother and may your family always be looked after.

Detective Sergeant Jeremy Sims
Matteson, IL

August 29, 2015

I remember Frank well. I used to ride horses in Cobbs Creek Park and would always stop to chat with him. He was a kindly man with a terrific sense of humor. Also he was a devoted family man. What a devastating loss. I went to the viewing and people were lined up around the block. I will never forget that time and I have fond memories of him.

Barbara M. Fahy
friend

October 31, 2014

I remember it well too. He was my favorite uncle.

Reesa Adams
Niece

December 10, 2013

Remember that night well, I was a Sergeant in the 18th at the time. We were losing officers at an alarming rate. Scary time. May he rest in peace.

Lt. John Doran
Philadelpha Police Retired

December 3, 2013

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 43rd anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to leave a tribute to you. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

April 20, 2013

I attended the plaque dedication ceremony at the park guard house where you were assassinated. Lynn Abrams the Philadelphia District Attorney spoke of the week you and the four other officers were shot. I remember it well as I was working the street when it all happened. Back in those days in Philadelphia we really were at war. People were ambushing us, throwing Molotov cocktails at us, and assaulting us. That night, that week, that time in our nation’s history was hell for cops. I know you are eternally on patrol with our fellow brothers of the thin blue line who have all given their all to protect and serve. On March 25, 2005 you were joined by my son-in-law Officer Jesse E. Sollman from Easton, Pa. Jesse probably asked you upon meeting if you knew his Dad? We really miss Jesse, and I know from seeing your family at the ceremony that they still miss you. So I am honored that you and Jesse are in the company of the members of our thin blue line who have all gathered together with our God to await our arrival at what I am sure is the safest place to be. It must be safe there because it’s guarded by men like you and our Jesse.

Rest in peace Sarg.

Deputy Sheriff Charles Hentz
Northampton County Sheriffs Department

July 13, 2008

Sergeant,
You are remembered and your family and Police family dedicated a plaque in Cobbs Creek on your behalf. God bless you.

P/O Fidler
Philadelphia Police

July 10, 2008

Sergeant Von Collin, you have not been forgotten and are in my daily prayers. Thank you for your hard work and dedication, your bravery and the sacrifices you made in protecting the people in Philly God Bless you as you now sleep in God's Love and in His Arms
Respectfully
Kathi Halligan Phila PA wife and mom of LEO'S

Kathi Halligan
Philadelphia, PA.

June 12, 2008

you are not forgotten you are honored. thoes who harmed you are dishonored forever!!!! you lived and died as GOD Servant see you in heaven..

ken kelble
none reader of collier;s 1971 year book

May 30, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

January 15, 2008

I've visited "Von Colln" park and ball fields at 23rd and Pennsylvania Ave. in Philadelphia many times, and never knew the whole story behind Officer Von Colln--sadly, I'm sure most people don't. I'll think of Officer Von Colln whenever I visit. Thank you for watching over us.

Doug in Philly

November 29, 2007

Rest in peace always.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

August 29, 2007

May God bless and keep you always.

August 29, 2007

Cousin Frank, I reflect almost daily our conversation about becoming Law Enforcement Officers, after you were discharged from the Navy and I would be discharged from the Army, sometimes I regret telling you about my decision of joining a Police Dept. I reflect ofter our closeness when we lived in Cape May. Bless you and I hope you rest in peace after such a violent and herendous death.
John C. von Colln, cousin.

Medically retired sheriff's sergeant
San Bernardino County Sheriff's Dept

May 4, 2007

Always remembered sir!

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police

August 29, 2006

You will not be forgotten.

P/O #5434
Phila PD

May 28, 2006

This man was one of the greatest people I have ever known. A friend and guardian of the community. His loss hurts all of us. Rest in peace Uncle Frank.

John Hearty, Civilian Employee
NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic Public Works

February 17, 2006

I remember the night you were killed. Rest in Peace. I still wonder if those responsible for your death got their just reward. I visit Cape May and see the little guard house in your memory.

daughter of deceased ParkGuard

October 26, 2005

My father Ralph Ballantyne (1904-1995)knew Sgt von Colln before his retirement in 1961. At the time of von Colln's death my father spoke highly of him. He was a devoted family man and a fine officer.
Bob Ballantyne

Bob Ballantyne
Son of Fairmount Park Guard

March 30, 2005