Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

As the anniversary of my late fiancé's EOW passes it breaks my heart to know that yet another officer has fallen and that yet another family has to start off the new year without the man they loved. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Deputy Collins, especially to his wife. Know that you are not alone in the "journey" that you walk. If you ever need anything please don't hesitate to contact me. The Davis Co. Sheriff's Office in Iowa will always know how to reach me.

From reading all the reflections left for Ethan, he sounds like he was a great man and a beautiful spirit. Those of you who knew him in life were so blessed to have been able to share in it. I hope that you will all continue to find a way to celebrate and remember Ethan's life and the MAN that he was. His life was about so much more than the way he died. Remember that "Wherever a beautiful soul has been ... there is a trail of beautiful memories." Ethan will live on in those memories.

Deputy Collins, thank you for helping to make this world a little safer for us all. YOU will not be forgotten. Please continue to watch over all of us as only you can. If you happen to bump into my fiancé Dennis up there give him a big hug for me and the kids. It's been three years but we still miss him terribly.

Wishing you brighter and better days,


Jocelyne :)

"Forever Remembering 26-3"
http://inlovingmemoryof.us/DennisMcElderry

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancée of Deputy Sheriff Dennis Ray McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)

January 7, 2006

Ethan,
During the last 3 years that I have been a member of the Sheriff's Office, I cannot remember a time that anyone has said a negative thing about you. Your reputation and memory will have a lasting effect on our department, and your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Deputy Sheriff Steve Mason #366
Fairfield County Sheriff's Office

January 7, 2006

Kylie- You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Put your trust in God for there you will find true comfort.

To my friend a true hero, thank you unit 268

Deputy David Maple
Fairfield County Sheriff's Office

January 7, 2006

Deputy Collins, Rest in Peace and may God bless your family.

Trooper II
NJSP

January 7, 2006

Rest In Peace, Brother
May God hold your family and friends close to his heart in this time of need. You will never be forgotten.

Sgt Frank Lara
Riverside PD, IL

January 7, 2006

My humble condolences go out to the Collins family.

As an officer, I understand the dangers that are inherent with a career in law enforcement. In knowing Ethan, I am confident that he was very aware of his duty to the citizens of Fairfield county and he valiantly and unselfishly chose to perform this duty on a day-to-day basis for several years. This was evident in the way that he was responding to the call that officer's place highest... an officer in trouble.

I will never forget the days when you were just considering a career in law enforcement and decided to ride along with me. I now treasure those days when I was just getting to know you. You were a great deputy and served well. You've now paid the ultimate price and I'm certain, solidified your place in eternity with your Heavenly Father.

This is a trying time for all of us, in the profession, but my heart and prayers go out more importantly to his Kylie, the children and extended family. It will take time to endure this great loss to your family. Please know that Ethan's flame will forever burn in the hearts and minds of those that served with him in Fairfield county law enforcement.

May God Bless Ethan's family!

Patrol Officer Will Tolly
Lancaster Police Department

January 7, 2006

May god help his family deal with the tremendous loss. You have served well my brother rest in peace.

Patrolman M. Butcher
Brimfield PD Portage County Ohio

January 7, 2006

Deputy Ethan Collins,
To my friend and fellow co-worker. Words cannot describe the sacrifice that you made. Working with you over the years in the patrol division and the mounted patrol unit has been a wonderful experience. I am going to miss the many good times that we shared together. You will never be forgotten and are a true hero in my eyes. My heart goes out to your family in their time of need and they will always be in my thoughts and prayers.

Deputy Jason Meadows
Fairfield County Sheriff's Office

January 7, 2006

True Love Never Dies

I cruised the freeways, far and near,
and patrolled the highways long.
I assisted those in need of help,
and tried to right the wrongs.

I knew my job put me at risk,
thus faith came into call;
I never drove without the Lord.
He was with me through it all.

I didn't want to leave you,
but God said that I must go.
So, I held your love inside me,
and let my spirit flow.

Tell my family, and my friends,
that everything's okay;
Up here a deputy uses wings,
to cruise the Great Highway.

Teach my children to be proud,
and to not live life in fear.
Tell them Daddy's still on watch,
and that I am always near.

And you, dear wife, remember, please
that true love never dies.
What lives today, within the heart,
lives on in Paradise.

Written by Janice Winslow Harper

I put this on Brandy's tombstone. Janice said that God spoke to her to help her write this poem. It speaks volumes to me and I hope it will speak to your amazing and wonderful family. Nothing can ease the pain of your death. Your family has begun a very hard long journey. I promise to walk this journey with them. We will not let them fall. Join the ranks of heaven's finest with pride. God has a mighty force up there and he has called you to join its ranks. I will see you and Brandy on the other side someday.....don't get into too much trouble up there in the mean time.

Sara Winfield
Wife of Brandy EOW 10/14/04

January 7, 2006

I cherish the moments we have had in our professional career and the moments we have had in our personal lives together. You and I were hired on the same day and worked almost everyday together. Over this time we have built a good friendship at work and in our personal lives. Although you have fallen I will never forget you. You unselfishly laid down your life and I consider you a hero.

Deputy T.J. Strawn
Fairfield County Sheriff's Office

January 6, 2006

Ethan,
Your Watch is done here on earth. God has taken you to watch over us from the Heavens. As you Look over your Law Enforcment Family here on Earth, We will look over yours. Thank you for you Service.

Officer Lang #2007 CPD/ Fairfield County Residence.

Officer William Lang
Columbus Police Department

January 6, 2006

"My Friend and co-worker"
Ethan I will always remember our friendship we shared, how you offered your guidance when I started radio and always told me that everything would be ok. You always had a upbeat look on life,you talked about your love for your family how refreshing that was to hear. Ethan Ill always remember that short exchange we had that day before you left to be with the Lord, may God bless you and your family along with the law enforcement family..

Sadly missed
Disp.Kevin Roby
Fairfield Co SO

DISP. KEVIN ROBY
FAIRFIELD CO SO

January 6, 2006

Deputy Collins, Rest In Peace. Prayers go to your family.

trooper NYS Police
NYS Police

January 6, 2006

Ethan, you paid the ultimate price by laying you life on the line for not only your fellow Officer that was in need of your help, but also for the freedom that we share in this great country, My prayers go out to your family and friends through this painful time. You will never be forgotten, for you are among the brave who are "Paid In Full". rest in peace

Inv. Andy Walker
Anderson County Sheriff's Dept.

January 6, 2006

thank you for your service.your work will not be forgotten.god bless

January 6, 2006

“REMEMBER ME”
Law enforcement officers are, indeed, a special breed of people. Ask anyone on the street and they will tell you that they would not have our jobs for anything in the world. It takes something special to do what we do and at the same time be able to even contemplate retirement. We try to be optimists. Unfortunately, there are a few of us who will never make that date with retirement. By the very nature of our job, we are at risk everyday of losing our lives, either at the hand of some deranged individual or in some other situation that we, by virtue of our occupation, may be unable to avoid. Some people have recognized the hazardous duties we involve ourselves in, the risks we take, and the pride we take in accomplishing that job. There is National Law Enforcement Week, dedicated to us who gladly accept the responsibility of protecting the citizens in our respective jurisdictions. National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Day is dedicated to those who gave their lives in the line of duty. These are but two examples of remembrances specifically for law enforcement personnel. Remembrances that come but once a year. We should remind fellow officers of another type of remembrance, one that will last a lifetime. Sooner or later, a doctor will pronounce us dead. It is inevitable. Regardless of whatever happens, death is the end we will all have to face.
“IT IS IN DEATH THAT WE CAN LIVE FOREVER”
Author Unknown

Jim Moore
New Orleans P.D., Retired

January 6, 2006

I think Toby Keith's song "American Soldier" describes Ethan well. He was an American Soldier and now he is an American Hero forever. God Bless you Ethan!

I'm just trying to be a father
Raise a daughter and a son
Be a lover to their mother
Everything to everyone
Up and at 'em, bright and early
I'm all business in my suit
Yeah, I'm dressed up for success
From my head down to my boots

I don't do it for the money
There's bills that I can't pay
I don't do it for the glory
I just do it anyway
Providing for our future's my responsibility
Yeah I'm real good under pressure
Being all that I can be

And I can't call in sick on Mondays
when the weekends been too strong
I just work straight through the holidays
And sometimes all night long
You can bet that I stand ready when the wolf growls at the door
Hey, I'm solid, hey I'm steady, hey, I'm true down to the core
And I will always do my duty no matter what the price
I've counted up the cost, I know the sacrifice
Oh, and I don't want to die for you
but if dyin's asked of me
I'll bear that cross with honor
'cause freedom don't come free

I'm an American soldier, an American
beside my brothers and my sisters I will proudly take a stand
When Liberty's in jeopardy, I will always do what's right
I'm out here on the front line
Sleep'in in peace at night
American soldier, I'm an American soldier

Yeah, an American soldier, an American
Beside my brothers and my sisters I will proudly take a stand
When Liberty's in jeopardy I will always do what's right
I'm out here on the front line
So Sleep in peace tonight
American soldier, I'm an American
An American, an American soldier

MJ

January 6, 2006

Rest in Peace Brother. We appreciate your sacrifice as your thoughts were to be of help to a Brother Officer in trouble and not on self. We thank you for your faithfulness and dedication to duty and are proud you are one of us. Be assured your loved ones are not alone for we are but a phone call away if needed.

Bob Johnson VA-VI

Bob Johnson U.S. Marshal's (Ret'd)
Blue Knights International Police Assn.

January 6, 2006

I am so sorry and sad to hear of another Fine Officer dying in the line of duty. To Officer Collins wife and children, family, friends and Co-workers I will keep you all in my daily prayers. Officer Collins you will never be forgotten...Thank you for all your hard work and dedication in protecting the citizens of Fairfield County.God Bless you as you now sleep in God's love and Peace.
Respectfully,
Kathi Halligan Phila. PA wife and mom of LEO

January 6, 2006

Thank you for protecting fairfield county. You will live in our hearts forever. Rest in peace blue angel!

mk

January 6, 2006

May God bless his family and give them the strength to go on. He's with God now for sure...Thanks Deputy Collins for service

Lawonda

January 6, 2006

My heart goes out to the family, friends, and our Fairfield Co. community for the loss of Deputy Sheriff Ethan Collins. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. God only takes the best.

Amy wife of CPD ofc. William Lang
Columbus Police Department

January 6, 2006

To the family, fellow officers and friends of Officer Collins,

Our hearts and prayers are with you during this terrible time. Just know that there are hundreds of us known as 'survivors' that are with you at this time.
God Bless you all.
Mary Fisher

Mother, Deputy Kevin Sherwood
Clare County, MI EOW 10/9 03

January 6, 2006

Again we mourn as another hero is taken from us. My deepest sympathy to the family, friends and co-workers of Deputy Collins. May the Lord give you strength and bless each of you during this time.

Rest in peace for your watch here is over; walk in heavens beat and guide us to protect and serve others safely.

US Ranger Catroppa
National Park Service GA

January 6, 2006

R. I. P. brother. My deepest sympathies go out to your family and friends.

Mike
Surprise, Arizona

January 6, 2006