Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

To all that loved and knew Mary Ann, her mother Helen Collura, a woman of true bravery and who so strongly carried Mary Ann's memory and battled cancer bravely, passed away 06/20/2011. Mary Ann cared for her mother and watched over her, and now they are together again. May god bless them both.

Brother Fair Lawn Officer
Fair Lawn

November 18, 2011

Eight years ago today we heard the terrible news. Still miss you, Mar. When I ride the Blue Ridge this year, I'll pretend for a moment that we're all three together. Rest easy my friend.

Cathy Jaskot
LT's widow

April 17, 2011

I served on the Fairlawn Police Reserves with Mary Ann..
I wrote this poem to her shortly after her death.
God Bless you Mary Ann you were a pioneer and a dear person.
Bob Secker

MARY ANN
She was the talk of the town
The first woman police officer
The butt of many jokes
Most felt she would never make it
I saw a woman full of zeal and courage
She slept with her gun hanging
on the bedpost, just in case
Twenty years to prove herself
Become admired, respected, accepted
The Bergen Record reported:
Four bullets struck her vest covered chest
Not everyone liked her you see
Not even one joke was muttered,
As her coffin was hoisted by four
As the long blue line lifts
Their hands to their brow
She was the talk of the town once more

Anonymous

March 24, 2010

My condolenes to the the family and friends of Police Office Mary Ann Collura. RIP

Ofc. Eric Chiang
San Francisco Police Department

February 14, 2010

R.I.P. Another hero taken to soon.

SGT Brian Gourley
California State Military Reserve

November 26, 2009

We offer our heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends and colleagues of Officer Collura and we honor her distinguished service to the cause of justice and peace. Sadly, our nation has lost one of its finest citizens, a community has lost a friend and protector, and a family has lost an example of character and courage who they will love and respect forever.

To the family, friends, and colleagues of Officer Collura, I would like you to know that a lot of people pray for you, and my hope is that their prayers will give you the strength necessary to move on. Just as you were always with her when she walked the beat or patrolled the streets, know that she will always be with you - wherever you may be. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Officer Collura is distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for her brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family, and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

It was their duty to serve; it is ours to remember.

Special Agent
FBI New York City

August 6, 2009

It's hard to believe it's been over six years since you were taken away from us. You will always be in my thoughts and I think of you all the time.

Sgt. Daryl Cunningham
Osceola County Sheriff's Office

August 4, 2009

mary, rest in peace, i think of you often and miss you.

police officer
fair lawn police dept

May 29, 2009

miss you ma..

Anonymous

April 18, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the sixth anniversary of your death. 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 Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

April 17, 2009

You have not been forgotten as true heroes never die. Continue to watch over your loved ones and those still out on patrol.

Bob Gordon
Father of Chicago Officer: Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

April 17, 2009

You have not been forgotten Mary Ann!! Rest in Peace Sister!

PO Michael O'Brien
Fair Lawn, NJ PD

April 17, 2009

I donated to the NLEOMF for a Holiday Hero shield to be displayed on the windows of the visitor center in Washington, DC in your name Officer Collura.

Thank you for your service to the Fair Lawn community and the State of New Jersey.

MS
Explorer

December 9, 2008

Yesterday it was 5 years since that tragic night in April. I never thought I'd ever miss a friend so much. I have passed the cemetery almost everyday and I say a silent prayer--that you'd watch over us (your fellow officers in FLPD)When I'm out in public and I say I am a retired Fair Lawn officer they immediately remember you. That's a great feeling and I thank them for remembering. You're not forgotten Mare, you never will be. I still shed tears for you.

Ptlmn. Steve Cannizzaro
Fair Lawn Police (Ret. 2006)

April 18, 2008

My thoughts are with all of your loved ones and close friends on this day. You are a true hero and have not been forgotten, nor will htat ever be the case. Continue to watch over all of your loved ones and those still out on patrol watching over the Thin Blue Line.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

April 17, 2008

Your strength, courage, and sacrifice, gives us the determiniation to go forward in your memory. May your gentle soul be at rest...

Sgt Janice R Witheridge
Rahway

April 17, 2008

Rest in peace my Sister you will never be forgotten.

Kevin T Ryan
EX Burlington County NJ Cop and Correction Sergeant.

April 17, 2008

Officer Collura,
I never had the honor of meeting you in person but I heard you were a trailblazer for women in law enforcement. I myself have 19 years service but your tenacity made it easier for other women. I paid respects at the vigil at the church and it sent shudders down my spine to imagine your last moments given to help an officer in need when you were both taken down by a spineless coward. The kids will be safe from your glowsticks and the ice cream shop will always have your special. Thank you for all that you did and your ultimate sacrifice. You did save the other officer so you were and still are true blue in the sky. I hope there are Harleys in heaven for you, Mary Ann.

Sgt. Letitia M. Green
New Jersey Department of Corrections

March 11, 2008

Thankyou for your service and sacrifice. You are a hero who will never be forgotten

POLICE OFFICER
PHILA PA

March 8, 2008

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND ULTIMATE SACRIFICE!! NOW YOU ARE RESTING ON THOSE GOLDEN STREETS WITH FELLOW OFFICERS!!! THANK YOU, AGAIN!!!!!!!

DISPATCHER GRETA M HUFF
KY STATE POLICE POST 13 HAZARD

January 31, 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

December 12, 2007

Mah,
As I go to work every day, I remember you and our time together. To this day, I have yet to meet a cop who could stack up to you. Your ability to balance toughness, caring and common sense still amazes me. I strive to be the professional you trained me to be and I wish I could have told you this before you left. I will see you again, my friend.
Love, "Junior"

Sgt. John LaDuca
Bergen County Police Department

November 9, 2007

I still remember that night as if it was yesterday. My father was the first to come to you aid that night. I'll never forget the quick phone call he made to my mother letting us know what had occurred. That call did not last more than a minute. Even to this day he can not speak about it without tears. My family remembers you and will keep you in our hearts forever. RIP

Kimberly
Daughter of a retired Fair Lawn Police Officer

September 20, 2007

Hey Mary,
I know you are smiling when you look down at all the children we bring to your memorial statue in front of boro hall. They all say you are a hero for being so brave. We miss your smile and good energy you brought to us on a daily basis. Your name will remain forever down at the pistol range where you helped all of us train to become better marksmen. Thanks to you this has also become a bette part of Fair Lawn P.D.
You continue to contribute even in passing...
Thanks again ... Always in our thoughts... Derek

Sgt Derek Bastinck
Fair Lawn Police

August 10, 2007

God bless you Ofc Collura.

DFC Daniel O'Donnell
Orange County Sheriff's Office (FL)

August 9, 2007