Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Rest in peace Lt. Collins.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

May 27, 2023

Lt. Collins,
On today, the 30th anniversary of your death I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Wichita Falls. And to your Family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

BPA Mike Casey
United States Border Patrol
El Paso Station

July 25, 2019

Rest in Peace Police Lt. Walter Tommy Collins. Thank You for your Service and Sacrifice.

I Pray for Peace for your Family, Friends and Co-Workers. I also Pray that the hounds of hell forever gnaw on the soul of your murderer. May his screams of anguish rise up from the grave as he is consumed in the lake of fire.

Amen.

Senior Special Agent B.L. Sherwood (Ret)
Port Terminal Railroad Police Houston, TX

July 24, 2016

Office Collins was a very personable man and a good cop. He was always a pleasure to talk to. We could use a lot more like him.

James Allison
Civilian

September 9, 2014

Mrs. Collins is my next door neighbor. Today ,the 24th, I cut limbs off of her roof.I formally introduced myself, because she had only met and spoken to my wife. I was not sure if it was lieutenant Collins widow.Sure enough after our conversation I learned it was. Also learned that her son was a peace officer with the Wichita Falls TX police department. I gave my condolences for the loss of her husband, and went back into my house. Spoke with my wife and decided to go online and research. I was only 14 when this happened but it is something a child never forgets.A protector people down. Through my research, learned that tomorrow is the 25 anniversary of his death! A very strong woman to stand in front of me, and speak of her husband and children that they raised so wonderfully, and not say a word about it being 25 years tomorrow she lost the love of her life. It is a honor to finally meet you, and be your neighbor.

Tracy Higgins
neighbor

July 24, 2014

I can't believe it's been 25 years, Officer Collins. The time has flown by but it is because of you and your fellow officers that I can sit here today with the memories and moments I have as Jeremy's mom. He graduated from Texas Tech and is doing well. He didn't go into the Marines after all, which I am grateful for as his older brother was hurt in Iraq. Even now I remember the tears and pain that evening when it was announced you were gone. I think of you and thank you every day for my son and the other children and those in the area being safe and here today because of your willingness to be who you were...who you are. A guardian. Thank you for your service, Sir, and I have your family in my prayers and thoughts as the anniversary of that fateful day approaches.

Monica
A Mom

July 15, 2014

Your heroism and service is honored today, the twenty-first anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. I pray for the solace of all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 25, 2010

Your heroism and service is honored today, the twenty-first anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered. I pray for the solace of all those who love and miss you for I know both the pain and pride are forever.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

July 25, 2010

Daddy,
There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of you and miss you.

Robin
Daughter

April 9, 2010

"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 © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

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

March 5, 2008

Never forgotten. You paid the ultimate sacrifice.
Rest in peace.

911 Dispatcher
Virginia

July 25, 2007

This Tuesday marks the 17th anniversary of that day. My son is turning 18 and will graduate from Rider in December. Officer Collins and the other officers that day protected the children in the daycare center that day as that horrible man started shooted at construction workers and buildings and at random.
Jeremy still plans to be a Marine and I still think of Officer Collins every year.
Thank you.

Monica
grateful mom of Jeremy

July 23, 2006

Nearly sixteen years ago, Officer Collins died in our town. My son was a ten month old in the daycare center by the projects that day. There have been many times over the years when I have thought of Officer Collins with prayer and gratitude.
Every July on the anniversary I have a chat with him. I tell him the changes in my Jeremy for that year since our last "chat".
I never met Officer Collins or anyone connected with him, but I would like to say how much his sacrifice meant to this mom. My son goes to Rider now and is almost seventeen. He plans to join the Marines and I just want to say thank you because I firmly believe it's because of Officer Collins and the WFPD that day that my son has dreams to follow.

Monica
Mom

April 19, 2005

I NEVER KNEW YOU BUT THE SACRAFICE THAT YOU MADE WAS FOR PEOPLE THAT YOU MAY NOT OF KNONW. I THINK YOU FOR THE PRICE THAT YOU PAID TO KEEP MY FAMILY AND MYSELF SAFE FROM THE PEOPLE THAT HAVE NO HEART. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN BY YOUR BROTHERS IN BLUE. THANK YOU AGAIN AND PEACE BE WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS. KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR US.

PSO TURNER
PLANO PD

December 26, 2004