Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Brother Ken it is coming up on 20 years since you left us for your new assignment in God's police department in heaven. It doesn't seem that long ago that I heard your laugh and seen your quiet smile. I know you are enjoying the company of all our fallen heroes and being with Jesus. The city is preparing to dedicate the site of your departure and I know you will be present to look over all your "old brothers" who come to honor your family. Until we meet again in God's house, farewell brother, God speed.
In Christ, Tom Bradley #456, Arizona State Chaplain, FOP

Tom Bradley,Retired
Phoenix AZ PD

May 7, 2008

there will be a mass for ken;s 20th yr death on may 27th 2008 at 6;30pm at st.simons&jude church at 27th av.&maryland all are invited to attend i thank all of ken;s friends for keeping us in their prayers thanks again gary howes sr dear ol dad

brother in law

October 15, 2007

"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

July 26, 2007

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

Officer 11169

March 15, 2007

I miss you terribly

Anita Taylor Chapmon
Niece

August 10, 2006

I have to say one more thing.......To Little Gary.....
He's looking over you babe and he's proud of you
Me

Anita Taylor Chapmon
Niece

August 10, 2006

Kenny was the best man i've ever known. we were seven years apart and my father had been dead since i was 1 1/2. Kenny was like my brother and father all mixed into one and took care of me. He'd give the shirt off his back to help someone. I loved (and still do) him very much. I looked up to him. Even when some where not there, he always was.

Anita Taylor Chapmon
I was his niece

August 10, 2006

You are not forgotten............

AZ Narc

November 28, 2005

Ken, although we never met, I have the pleasure of riding with one of your old friends. He speaks of you often and misses you a great deal. Know that you are not forgotten.

611x
Phoenix Police

February 18, 2005

I would like to leave this reflection for the friends and family of Officer Collings. It may not seem like much, but this memory stays with me still as I continue to pray for their comfort at the loss of this fine young man. A few days before this senseless incident Officer Collings came to my home in response to a complaint from my neighbors about my dog, Spike. He was one of those fence-jumping little mutts, who would sit in my front yard chasing and nipping at whomever went by. Indeed, Spike had taken a few plugs out of more than one passerby! A neighbor contacted me at work when she saw Officer Collings trying his best to side step my dog's advances. He wasn't a bad dog at heart-just too territorial. It took a while to reach my home. As a matter of fact, I worked at a company down the street from the bank where Officer Collings was shot. I lived all the way over by 21st Ave and Camelback and the traffic thru there was hell. When I arrived home, Officer Collings was more sympathetic than critical and just smiled that warm smile and told me how glad he was I had gotten there before he had to put my dog down. Truth be told, this sweet man really waited longer then he had to just to keep from harming my pet dog. I know this doesn't seem like much-but this simple act still moves me to tears. Two days after this happened, I was overwhelmed with sadness and anger to see this fine man's picture on the front page. This is the first time I have visited this web site, I left Phoenix and went home to Oklahoma not long after all this. I am glad to see the person who took this wonderful officer's life is paying his debt. During these last many years I have thought of Officer Kenneth Collings many times and said several prayers for his family and friends. Please believe and remember my thoughts will always remain with you as they do with all the people who lose these brave and courageous men and women who protect us and help us for all reasons. Great and small. God bless you and keep you safe.

Joette Nolentubby

Joette Nolentubby
former Phoenix resident

December 19, 2004

I worked closely with Mr. Collings nephew and others who knew him when this happened. I have always prayed that his family find strength, hope and peace. God bless them.

John Hansen

June 30, 2004

7 come 11 sweetie. What a great guy. You are missed and thought of often.

Anonymous

April 5, 2004

01-15-04

Ken,
I never met you, but I have had the pleasure of working with one of your best friends, Paul. I have worked with him off and on for several years, the most recent being on the same squad and working the same beat. He has told me many stories about you. There is no doubt that you were a great officer and a great friend to Paul and many others.

Today, Paul finished his carreer in law enforcement and retired. I know that you had a hand in making sure he made it through his carreer safely.

We all miss you.

Ofc. Brad Garst
Phoenix Police Department

January 15, 2004

Kenneth was not only an exemplary Police Officer, but a wonderful Uncle and friend. I will honor and cherish him always.

Terri Taylor, Kenneth's Niece

i am ken;s brother in law and a better person you could not find if a mother could wish for the one perfect kid ,he would be kenneth .he always had everybody;s elsewelfare in mind before his own;i could not describe kenneth to you with
out writing a book about what a great young man he truly was,our family was totally devasted by his death and we all suffer even now but as mother has told us [CARRY ON BRAVELY]
we all miss him and love him and look forward to seeing him again . god bless you son GARY SR.

Officer Collings is a friend and one of finest officers I have had the pleasure of working with. I still miss him very much and will never forget that smile he had for everyone.

Kenneth Blanchard
Phoenix Police