Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Ms. Collins was my supervisor for 8 years, and co worker for 5 more. She strove to help people others had given up all hope on, yet stood firm on protecting the community from those who preyed on others. Being driven and detail oriented allowed her to make those cases successfully, and stand her ground in the adversity that those decisions brought.

While those traits served her so well, she understood that not everyone was made the same, and that different personality types and styles could all produce quality results, which was the real goal. I recall talking to her during a meeting on a new Supervisor hire asking me “Which one these is the least like us, who’s going to give us a new perspective?”

I believe that part of her driven nature at work was her love for her family and friends. She wanted to make a better community for those around her that she cared for so much. Debbie was a wonderful person who left a great legacy for her family, friends, and the community to celebrate. We only wish we had her with us longer.

James Berry District Administrator
Missouri Probation and Parole

March 8, 2011

My thoughts and prayers go out to District Administrator Collins, her family, friends and the entire Missouri Department of Corrections. Thank you for your service District Administrator Collins.

Sergeant
Fredericksburg Police Department(VA)

March 8, 2011

Thankyou for your service. Rest in peace. God bless your family.

POLICE OFFICER
PHILA PA

March 8, 2011

MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO ALL WHO MOURN THE LOSS OF ADMINISTRATOR COLLINS. MAY GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU WITH THE LOVE AND PEACE OF HIS ONLY BEGOTTEN SON, JESUS CHRIST. ADM.COLLINS, YOU HAVE SERVED WELL. MAY GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE. A HERO FOR SURE. MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

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

March 8, 2011

Thank you for your sacrifice and selfless efforts in trying to bring justice to this country. Your dedication to protecting the people of your state was unwavering even in your final moments. I will pray for your family to get through these trying times.

REST IN PEACE AS WE ALL SHALL WALK TOGETHER ON DAY

Vince Iello
NYPD Retired

March 8, 2011

To the Collins family. My deepest sympathy to you during this time. I have known Debbie for quite some time as we were both DAs. We attended many of the same meetings and trainings. Although we would talk about work we ALWAYS caught up on what was happening with our families. It was obvious that she was so proud and loved each of you deeply. I will certainly miss her and the talks we would have. God's peace to you during this time. Sharon Derrington, Cape Girardeau DA

Sharon Derrington, District Administrat
DOC, Probation and Parole

March 8, 2011

Rest In Peace

ACRES
SCOTT COUNTY TN

March 8, 2011

Rest in peace Ms. Collins. My sincere condolences to your family and to your department. Godspeed as you now rest on the streets of gold. Thanks for your service. Terry F. Zech

OFC TERRY F. ZECH(RET) USN (RET)
VETERAN AFFAIRS POLICE DEPT, DETROIT MICHIGAN

March 8, 2011

Rest in Peace...

Detective
Syracuse Police Dept, NY

March 8, 2011

In Honor of your Sacrifice and for your family and friends, I salute you as a HERO!

"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 whose 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

Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

March 8, 2011

We share the same year of birth and the same time in public service, though I have only 13 of my 25 years here at LAPD. Over the past few years I have lost both city and county colleagues in train accidents and other mishaps not involving gunfire. People often forget that it is the simplest situations that often offer the greatest risks. I am saddened by your loss.

Tomorrow I will set out on my own journey, to Baltimore by air. I will be thinking of you as I pass over Missouri and beyond. My condolences to your family, friends, and coworkers. And I will offer the Kaddish Prayer for you when at Shabbat Services Friday night. May your memory forever be a blessing.

Jim Grant, Crime Analyst II
Los Angeles Police Department

March 8, 2011

My sympathies go out to the family, friends, and coworkers of Debbie. I have very fond memories of Debbie and her kindness. When I returned to Region V as a Unit Supervisor and attended the District Administrator's Meetings she was friendly and kind to me. She was very helpful to me and knowledgeable in her work. She will truly be missed by Probation and Parole staff. My thoughts and prayers are extended to all who knew her.

Sheila Dickson Unit Supervisor
Missouri Board of Probation and Parole

March 8, 2011

My thought and prayers are with the Collins Family.

PO II, Beverly Masterson
District #41

March 8, 2011

Debbie and I have worked on hiring certificates and Worker's Compensation cases from her office. Debbie was always very professional and easy to work with on these processes. I know she was a dedicated individual to the agency. I will miss working with her. You have my condolences. She will be well remembered by her co-workers and friends. God bless you all!

Linda Humphrey, Sr Ofc Support Assistant
Probation & Parole Central Office - Personnel

March 8, 2011

I am sorry for your family's loss. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers as adjusting to the loss of a loved one is never easy.

Helen Hurley DA-4C KCMO
Missouri Board of Probation and Parole

March 8, 2011

All of us in the Missouri Department of Corrections, are deeply grieved by the tragic loss of our friend and colleague, Debbie Collins. We offer our sincere sympathy to her husband Michael and her sons and their families. We hope they all can find some measure of solace in all the good years they had with her.
With deepest sympathy, George.

George A Lombardi, Director
Missouri Department of Corrections

March 8, 2011

Thank you for your service and sacrifice. My condolences to your family, friends and coworkers of the Missouri Department of Corrections. May you rest in peace.

Off. William F. Shields
Federal Reserve Police/Philadelphia - Retired/Haverford Police

March 8, 2011

REST IN PEACE ADMINISTRATOR DEBRA K. COLLINS. YOU ARE A TRUE HERO.

Deputy J.D.Davis
Pittsylvania County Sheriff's Office

March 8, 2011

Rest, sister.

Cpl Steve Headley
Mishawaka, IN police

March 8, 2011

To your Husband and Sons:

There are no words of comfort to pass along. As a youngish widow myself, I can completely understand what it feels like to have a loved one ripped from you without notice. Yourself and your sons will all be dealing with this differently I'm sure but the bottom line is to be there for each other. I am so incredibly saddend by your loss.

To District Admin Collins:

Thank you for your service, my heart is heavy. Keep a watch on your family now as they need you the most. I am sure there will be a huge void in this world without you. Your picture says what an incredibly bright and happy woman that you were. You absolutely shine thru.
I salute you, GodSpeed.............

Lisa from Western Mass
Friend of all law enforcement and grateful citizen

March 8, 2011

Rest in peace Debra.

Ofc. Timothy M. Furlong
Nahant, MA PD

March 8, 2011

My wife and I want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with Ms. Collins' family, friends, co-workers, and agency. R.I.P. Dist. Admin. Collins, we'll carry on for you.

Sergeant Mike Allen
California Highway Patrol

March 8, 2011

Rest in peace Administrator Collins. Thank you for your many years of service to your community. Your loss and that of your family will not be forgotten. Prayers for your family, friends, and law enforcement brothers & sisters. Godspeed, Hero.

Kathy B
Citizen

March 8, 2011

A great woman has gone to secure a safe path for the rest of us to follow. Thank you to you, your family and the Missouri Department of Corrections. Rest in Peace Sister.

Chief Steve Marshall
Washington, NH. Police Department

March 8, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Debra Collins. You will be missed and sadly missed by your peers at the Missouri Dept of Corrections.
To the family of Mrs.Collins know that your wife, mother is at rest in heaven and where there will be no more suffering again.

May God bless and keep you....

Frye, ( Ret. )
Law Enforcement Dispatcher

March 8, 2011