Officer Down Memorial Page

I attended the plaque dedication ceremony at the park guard house where you were assassinated. Lynn Abrams the Philadelphia District Attorney spoke of the week you and the four other officers were shot. I remember it well as I was working the street when it all happened. Back in those days in Philadelphia we really were at war. People were ambushing us, throwing Molotov cocktails at us, and assaulting us. That night, that week, that time in our nation’s history was hell for cops. I know you are eternally on patrol with our fellow brothers of the thin blue line who have all given their all to protect and serve. On March 25, 2005 you were joined by my son-in-law Officer Jesse E. Sollman from Easton, Pa. Jesse probably asked you upon meeting if you knew his Dad? We really miss Jesse, and I know from seeing your family at the ceremony that they still miss you. So I am honored that you and Jesse are in the company of the members of our thin blue line who have all gathered together with our God to await our arrival at what I am sure is the safest place to be. It must be safe there because it’s guarded by men like you and our Jesse.

Rest in peace Sarg.

Deputy Sheriff Charles Hentz
Northampton County Sheriffs Department
July 13, 2008

Sergeant,
You are remembered and your family and Police family dedicated a plaque in Cobbs Creek on your behalf. God bless you.

P/O Fidler
Philadelphia Police
July 10, 2008

Sergeant Von Collin, you have not been forgotten and are in my daily prayers. Thank you for your hard work and dedication, your bravery and the sacrifices you made in protecting the people in Philly God Bless you as you now sleep in God's Love and in His Arms
Respectfully
Kathi Halligan Phila PA wife and mom of LEO'S

Kathi Halligan
Philadelphia, PA.
June 12, 2008

you are not forgotten you are honored. thoes who harmed you are dishonored forever!!!! you lived and died as GOD Servant see you in heaven..

ken kelble
none reader of collier;s 1971 year book
May 30, 2008

"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
January 15, 2008

I've visited "Von Colln" park and ball fields at 23rd and Pennsylvania Ave. in Philadelphia many times, and never knew the whole story behind Officer Von Colln--sadly, I'm sure most people don't. I'll think of Officer Von Colln whenever I visit. Thank you for watching over us.

Doug in Philly
November 29, 2007

Rest in peace always.

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police
August 29, 2007

May God bless and keep you always.

August 29, 2007

Cousin Frank, I reflect almost daily our conversation about becoming Law Enforcement Officers, after you were discharged from the Navy and I would be discharged from the Army, sometimes I regret telling you about my decision of joining a Police Dept. I reflect ofter our closeness when we lived in Cape May. Bless you and I hope you rest in peace after such a violent and herendous death.
John C. von Colln, cousin.

Medically retired sheriff's sergeant
San Bernardino County Sheriff's Dept
May 4, 2007

Always remembered sir!

Cpl/1 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police
August 29, 2006

You will not be forgotten.

P/O #5434
Phila PD
May 28, 2006

This man was one of the greatest people I have ever known. A friend and guardian of the community. His loss hurts all of us. Rest in peace Uncle Frank.

John Hearty, Civilian Employee
NAVFAC Mid-Atlantic Public Works
February 17, 2006

I remember the night you were killed. Rest in Peace. I still wonder if those responsible for your death got their just reward. I visit Cape May and see the little guard house in your memory.

daughter of deceased ParkGuard
October 26, 2005

My father Ralph Ballantyne (1904-1995)knew Sgt von Colln before his retirement in 1961. At the time of von Colln's death my father spoke highly of him. He was a devoted family man and a fine officer.
Bob Ballantyne

Bob Ballantyne
Son of Fairmount Park Guard
March 30, 2005

I am honored to leave a reflection for you, Sgt. Von Colln. You are a hero and will always be remembered. God bless you for your noble service. Rest in heavenly peace.

Karl Gwynne
November 14, 2004