Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Ethan, Whenever backup is called, I try to make a point of thanking whoever comes to assist. On Wednesday, January 4, I never got to thank you. I know you thought I was in danger and was trying to get to me. I can still hear the last thing you said on the radio. I can still hear the sound of your siren in the background as you spoke. Your courage will always inspire me, and your sacrifice will never be forgotten. I will miss you and I will mourn for you. But above all, Ethan, Thank You.

Sgt. Jay Barton
Lithopolis Police Department

January 12, 2006

REST IN PEACE YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN MY BRAVE BROTHER.

DEPUTY SHERIFF OHIO

January 12, 2006

Ethan, In my 25 years of service with this department I have known many brothers who answered God's call. This past week has been the toughest I have had to endure. You can rest assured that any needs your family has will be cared for.

I will miss your good-natured humor even when I used to rib you about being the "rookie". Truth is you earned the title "veteran" many years ago. I always knew that when you had my back I had nothing to worry about.

In the midst of sorrow I also felt another emotion that many of your brothers, friends, and family also felt. Pride! We are proud that God and your family gave you to us. We are better people to have known you.

Unit 20 to Unit 268 "Job well done"

Dep. Timothy E. Bigham #20
Fairfield Co. Sheriff

January 12, 2006

MAY GOD BLESS THE FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND COWORKERS OF DEPUTY COLLINS DURING THIS TRAGIC TIME IN THIER LIVES. HE HAS SERVED WELL, NOW MAY HE REST IN PEACE. A HERO FOR SURE.

CHIEF RONNIE WATFORD-RET.
JEFFERSON POLICE DEPT,S.C.

January 11, 2006

Rest in peace Brother Ethan, you are a true Hero and will never be forgotten for your courage and service.

Son of G. Truman Wortham EOW 7/15/73

Assistant Chief Carl Wortham Retired
Sand Springs Okla Police Department

January 11, 2006

My cousin's husband is fallen officer Lt. Michael Walker of the Calfornia Highway Patrol. The end of his watch came much too early for us all on December 31, 2005. He left behind the love of his life, my cousin Michelle and two beautiful daughters, Amanda (9) and Jennifer (7).

Our family's thoughts and prayers are with the Collins family, as the watch of this officer ended much too early as well. Our family knows all too well the what the family and friends of Officer Collins are expericing. I offer my deepest condolences to the family, knowing no words in the world can undo the utimate pain of the family at this time. My thoughts and prayers are with the family as they begin the grieving and healing process.

Nicole Paloney
Dublin, Ohio Civilian Resident

January 11, 2006

Please accept my deepest condolences for the loss of this fine officer. It is so sad to see how the beginning of a New Year has claimed more lives already of officers that are doing their utmost to serve. Deputy Collins was responding to a call for backup - he wanted to help - that is what Hero's do. May God give your family, friends and co-workers comfort and strength to help you through this most difficult time.

larie Minnery
mother of officer John Kevin Lamm EOW 1-1-98

January 11, 2006

Collins family--I am so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in our glorious Lord.

In reading Officer Don Paden's message..all I can say is Amen and thank you Officer Collins.

Senior Patrol Agent
USBP

January 11, 2006

You are a true hero who made the ultimate sacrifice. May the memory of your service, heroism and sacrifice remain forever. May God bless you, your family and brother/sister officers.

Trooper
Pennsylvania State Police

January 11, 2006

I did not know Deputy Collins or his family, but after attending his funeral services Monday, January 9, 2006, I feel as though I am forever connected to Kylie, Madison, and Hayden through the memories of that day, which will always be in my heart. As the wife of a police officer, I have a deep appreciation for the sacrifice Deputy Collins gave for this community. Kylie, I will forever feel your grief and will never forget the pain Madison displayed. I have cried off and on for 2 days after experiencing the services at the church and the gravesite. May God be with you and your family. There is nothing I can say to ease your pain, but please know that I am praying for all of you.
Cherie

Cherie

January 11, 2006

The 911 lines lit up...
I answered the call..
The voices on the other end told me that there was a deputy involved.
My heart sank and tears did fall.
Trying to concentrate on the job I had to do I sent you a medic and sent you my prayers. After my work was done, The Dear Lord stepped in and took if from there.
Etah you will be missed but never forgotten. Allthough my heart aches and the tears flow, I go back to work the radio each day in dear thought of you and to keep the rest of our family safe on the streets. We will all one day be together..and until then...
Patrol those streets of gold Ethan.

Diapatcher #36

Dispatcher Melissa Locke
Fairfield County Sheriff's Office

January 11, 2006

Ethan, as I watch our cherished Track highlight reels, I still wonder how your hair was able to remain perfect after running your third event? And how were you able to smile after racing half a mile at a near sprint? And how were you able to remember your friend's birthdays like you did? You had a special something. You had the capability to light up a room without saying or doing anything. I loved your positive energy and it will always exist with myself and those that you touched with your beautiful life. We will run again.

SrA Bryan Mott
USAF

January 11, 2006

Ethan it took me a while to think what I could say this entire time. It has been so hard, not just for me, but for everyone else at the Sheriff's Office. I have seen your children grow up, watched you wash your Expedition to your Caddy, worked by your side, and all the way back to joking around in class at Hocking College. I know I will miss you. I wrote you some of my hardships I have experienced, just as you had. (Ethan you always listened.)

An understanding

If they only understood that I am human too, I breathe, think and have feelings just as they do. If they only understood how much I hurt inside right now.

If they only understood that I did my best to get there to help make peace and sense of the situation. “I came all the way from the other side of the county; from another call…” but only to look at their watch and say they have waited all day for a deputy.

If they only understood that I was working my third day, this week of overtime, and I am just as tired as they are. If they only understood that I haven’t had much time with my family either.

If they only understood that I’m just as nervous as they are on the traffic stop. I don’t have a “quota” to fill they are receiving a citation because I am the enforcer, I don’t write the laws.

If they only understood a husband’s terror as I attempted to save his wife of 30 years. I had arrived, on the scene, before the squad. I performed CPR, although in my heart, I knew she had gone to a better place, I just wanted the family to know that I did everything possible.

If they only understood that my thoughts as I stood there watching as a family’s house burn to the ground on Christmas Eve and yet there was nothing I could do to help save their home.

If they only understood how hard it was to leave my daughter for work on Christmas day night. My little girl asked, “Daddy do you have to work tonight?” I replied, “Yes, there are others that need daddy’s help too.”

If they only understood how I feel about arresting the man for domestic violence. I believe the man did not say those horrible things to his wife. He begged for mercy as I told him “But my hands are tied…I’m sorry sir.”

If they only understood that in law enforcement we’re not just co-workers we are a family away from our family. We are all brothers and sisters, as well as sons and daughters. We are a family of our own with an unbreakable bond.

If they only understood how badly it hurt when I got the news, that a brother of ours, had fell in the line of duty. Oh lord; he will be missed by us all.

I say to my family at the Fairfield County Sheriff's Office. "A hero has fallen today, let Ethan be our glorious angel, as he will continue to respond when needed for duty."

Rest now brother. God bless.

Deputy Mike Myers
Fairfield County Sheriff's Office

January 11, 2006

Rest, brother.

Cpl Steve Headley
Mishawaka, IN police

January 11, 2006

It was an honor to be part of the "Massed Band" of pipers. It was a chilly day, however I have always felt it should never ever be a beautiful warm day when an Officer is laid to rest. The weather should reflect the pain and sorrow. In a time where cost cuts and bottom line affects the way we do business, it was fitting and good to see a large turnout to honor Deputy Collins. The "Last Call," broadcast rippled through the immediate family and friends, and eventually choked up the rank and file...including the Pipe Band

Sergeant Del Braund
Montgomery Co. S.O / Dayton Oh

January 11, 2006

You may be gone from here, but you will never be forgotten. You have given the ultimate scarifice to make sure that one of our own had help on the way. You are truly a hero. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Unit 268.... We have it from here Sir,..Thank You. Rest in peace....until we meet again.

Officer Ray Maynard
Carroll Police #5, Fairfield County

January 10, 2006

Thank you for your sacrifice and hard work. I wish you the best of luck in the afterworld and please send us help from up above. RIP

Ryan Collins (no relation)
phoenix,az

January 10, 2006

Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family, friends and all the members of the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office. We were made safer by his service and we all suffer their tragic loss. The family of Deputy Collins deserves our appreciation and gratitude for their sacrifice. In the days to follow, may you be strengthened by the fact that Deputy Collins is a man distinguished by exceptional courage and will always be admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. You, your family and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Tom Doyle
Cary Police Department, NC

January 10, 2006

May God bless you and your Family. Please watch over us all and keep us safe.

Ptl. Eric Bergen
Avon Police Department

January 10, 2006

To the family of Deputy Collins. My prayers are out to the family and friends. Although I never knew Deputy Collins he was a brother of mines. Not only because he was an officer but because he was an Deputy Sheriff for The State of Ohio. All who share that title with me and Deputy Collins knows that through all of our 88 counties in Ohio we are a very close knitted. I am very saddened to know what happened and I wish the family the best of luck

Deputy Sheriff S. Jones
Hamilton County Sheriff's Office

January 10, 2006

Kylie, Hayden, Madsion, and all family of Deputy Ethan Collins:

I don't normally leave reflections, but I was so moved by Ethan's Celebration of Life and Resurrection, I wanted to speak to at least one of you, but the day was too emotional.

God's word in
John 6:26-29 says: Jesus answered them and said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled.
Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you , for on Him the Father, God has set His seal.
Therefore they said to Him, "What shall we do, so that we may work the works of God?"
Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God that you believe in Him whom He has sent."

Ethan has again done the work of God through his death, by glorifying God with the message that was given. Many, many spriitual seeds were planted that day and I thank you for being believers of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. I always knew there was a God, but did not have him in my life, that changed for me on, the weeks following February 8th, 2002. On that date I was almost killed by a man who was wanted for 6 homicides in New York. Little would I know the "routine" traffic stop on that night, I would be in a fight for my life. I would later meet two strangers a man and his wife, Rick and Tammy Nuzum. They shared the free gift of God's word. They invited me to church, taught me, and then lead me to accept Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. One of the many verses Rick has shared with me is:
John 3:3-6, Jesus answered and said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God." Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb an be born, can he? Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit."

On April 21, 2002 I got on my knees and prayed with Rick and asked Jesus Christ to come into my life, my heart, my soul, to be my Lord and Savior. So before this I really did not realize that there was a difference between "knowing" there is a God and having a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Many times, before Ethan's funeral, I have heard people say they do not want a "real religious" funeral. I have told the man, the stranger, that shared God's word with me who is now my pastor, my friend, my brother in Christ, "Rick, if I am ever killed in the line of duty, at my funeral, my Celebration of Life and Resurrection, lead the people who hear God's word to accept Jesus Christ into their life as their Lord and Savior. Allow me to be God's disciple." And if just one person asks Jesus Christ into their heart and soul, my death would be worth it. Don't get me wrong, I don't have a death wish, but if it would happen then...

Ethan did this on that day, he is one of God's disciples.

A friend, fellow Columbus Police comrade, and brother in Christ, of mine life verse is Isaiah 6:8:
Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, "Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?" Then I said, "Here am I, Send me!"

Praise God for Ethan G. Collins and his family.
I will pray for you Kylie, Hayden, Madison, and family. Stay strong and BELIEVE!

A brother In Christ,

Don Paden
Mark 8:38

Officer Don Paden #1866
Columbus Police, OH

January 10, 2006

It is with sadness in every heart
That on this day we laid to rest,
A man who’s life will never part
A Deputy, a friend and the very best.

With solemn vow before man and God
Who was at his best on every day,
And now he treads where angels trod
And shines from Heaven in everyway.

When we are called to duty now
We will recall the man that day,
Who’s selfless thought of helping out
Will forever remain in our minds that way.

Why, oh why does death come round
The time the place no man hath known,
But God in wisdom before time found
His son to save us from life alone.

And on our journey each step of the way
Be sure to get ready your steps to trod,
Because moments should be cherished each and everyday
For soon we will all be in the presence of God.

Our time on earth is short my friend
Make sure you have said all you can say,
And as Ethan was ready to always lend
His help to all he could that day.

When Jesus came to earth to seek and save
Mankind from sin in every strife,
We remember what a hero gave
His love, his all and now his life.

Written in Memory of Ethan Collins 268


To Kylie and the family May God comfort you in your life from this day forward.
You are in our Prayers

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God" Matthew 5:9

Deputy Jeff Eschbaugh
G.C.S.O

January 10, 2006

Ethan, My second family,My Fellow Officer,My Faternal Brother,My Friend,
We laid you to rest yesterday and what a loss we feel,we didn't say goodbye only I know "I'll see you again."

Dep. Diana Brown #264
Fairfield County Sheriffs Office

January 10, 2006

As I sit here the day after we laid you to rest, I can't help but cry. You were not only my cousin but one of my best friends. I shared so many things with you that know one else knows. We were always there for each other. Even as kids people would say we were like two peas in a pod. I wonder who I will talk to know, who will I pick on, no one can fill the void that is there. You were one of the greatest men I've ever known. Our lives will never be the same. We will take it day by day and try to learn to live without you here. But we will never forget the man that was and always will be Ethan Collins. I love you and you will forever remain in my heart. Thank you for being a part of my life.

Love Forever
Your cousin and Friend

LLG

January 10, 2006

Two children have lost their father and a wife has lost her husband. The pain must be unbearable. The thought of this makes me extremely sad. I am so sorry for the pain you are feeling. I just can't imagine. My husband is the same age we have 2 young children and he too has been a deputy for 6 years. I am so sorry. I wish no one had to go through this.

Wife of a Deputy Sheriff

January 10, 2006