Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Always missed but nevere forgotten. We all had millons of laughs when we worked at the Glynn County Sherriff's Office.

CONTINUE TO REST EASY.

Major.
Co-worker and friend

July 22, 2023

Officer Collins,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your death is would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Brunswick. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
United States Border Patrol

April 11, 2023

Thank you for your service and please know that your sacrifice is one that will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren. Rest in peace always.

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

April 11, 2021

One day a hero forever. Rest in peace Officer Collins.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 15, 2018

Rest in peace hero.

Lt. Jim Russo

April 11, 2018

Brave man! Thank you for your service. Rest In Peace Brother.

SDS Mark McCormack
NYPD Retired

April 11, 2018

God Bless you for your service. God Bless your family

Relatives in service Shari Rozell Hunt
Concern citizen prayer warrior for the Officer in service and there fa

April 29, 2017

Melvin, so many years ago I was your instructor in the academy. I will never forget working with you in defensive tactics and you questioning the effectiveness to learn the finer points of each technique. Little did I know that you would use those techniques so quickly after the academy. I tell your story in training new cadets often. Your memory lives on. Rest in peace sir. Gone, but not forgotten.

Academy Director Thomas Safrin
Savannah Technical College Law Enforcement Academy

May 16, 2015

Never forget!!!!

Investigator Mike Thomas
Brunswick Police Dept.

December 21, 2014

It has been over 11 years since you departed us; however your courage and bravery continues to inspire others! I had the privilege of serving as one of your instructors during basic mandate in Savannah. I came to the crime scene upon learning of the incident and your passing broke my heart. I wept. Despite this, I am proud to know that when the challenge arose you came forth in full force! As promised, I continue to keep your memory alive. You are indeed a hero, Melvin.

Director L.W. Drawdy
Reinhardt Univerity Police Academy

November 1, 2014

I was in Forsyth at a gas station today and broke down in tears while I was telling someone this story. I realized that this was the last place I saw my friend alive! Just graduated from the academy, we were so excited! Gone but NEVER forgotten Mel! Miss you brotha!

Officer J. Holloway

June 11, 2014

Your brave actions and sacrifice that fateful day have not, and will not be forgotten. I am confident that your heroic actions saved lives. It's clear that you had the heart of a warrior and you have my deepest respect. You stood firm and held the line placing yourself in harms way to protect the law abiding citizens of our great nation. I never had the honor of meeting you, but I want you to know that I am proud of you. You will always be in my prayers. Rest easy my brother

Herb Fernandez
Detention Corporal
Midland County Sheriff's Office TX
Honor Guard Member

April 11, 2013

Thank you for your Heroism Sir, RIP

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

April 11, 2012

Officer Collins you were a true hero behind the badge 4/11/03. You are remembered on this day 4/11/12 as one of the fallen brothers in blue. You will never be forgotten. Watch over us from above, we have the watch down here.

D/S Andrew D. Roedel
Jackson County Sheriff's Department - Marianna, FL

April 11, 2012

Officer Collins,
On today, the 9th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Brunswick. You sir are a true hero-when an innocent person's life was in danger-you responded and did what had to be done. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy. I am a Border Patrol Agent and attended FLETC back in in 1996 and have nothing but respect for what the Brunswick PD have to deal with.

R.I.P.
USBP

Anonymous
U.S. Border Patrol

April 11, 2012

Rest in Peace, Officer Collins. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

March 24, 2012

Thank you for your service and ultimate sacrifice

J. Dills

December 27, 2011

Greater love hath no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends. John 15:13

Thank you for your sacrifice.

Friend of USFS Off. Kris Fairbanks RIP 9-20-08

K.L.

September 30, 2010

So sorry to hear. R.I.P sir

Dawn D., concerned civilian
Civilian

September 29, 2010

Officer Collins,
Just a few weeks prior to that fateful night in 2003 I had the honor of serving as one of your academy instructors. Your passing was an injury to my soul. I have made it a point to share your story with those aspiring to enter our noble profession over the last seven years. I will continue to do so. You and your heroic actions will never be forgotten as long as I live.

God's speed, my brother.

Anonymous

May 7, 2010

Thank you Officer Collins for your sacrifice and service to the city of Brunswick and our coutry. May your name and memory be everlasting.

Lieutenant
Dept. of Defense, Retired

December 9, 2008

Jesus says in Matthew 12:35, "A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things." And so the kind of man you were was shown in your brave actions. The fact that you had not been officially sworn in did not stop you. Thank you for your service, which I have no doubt was your way or life and began long before the one day we know about from this web site.
To the family of Officer Collins, I've said a prayer for you. Treasure his memory and hold fast to Christ just as he did.

Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 NIV)

May 12, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NHV

May 5, 2008

Only God knows when we will draw our last breath.
Your life seems to us to have been cut short and it's
easy to question why, but in cases like these we must
trust the Lord that you are in His safe keeping. Time
has not diminished your sacrifice even as 5 years have
quickly slipped by. May God watch over everyone who
knew and loved you and may He continue to heal their broken hearts.
Lynn Kole
Bellingham, WA

April 11, 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

October 8, 2007