Officer Down Memorial Page

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service
May 27, 2012

Rest in Peace Brother, we have the Watch

Policeman
Brother in Blue, Phoenix PD
April 8, 2012

god,son another birthday passes today i;ll make sure you get a beer how we all miss you and think of you everyday and the pain does not leave but more of us are getting closer to hanging out with you hope you got some new tunes keep watch over us son and kiss mother for us we love&miss you dear ol dad gary howes sr

gary howes sr
step dad and best friend
November 10, 2010

22 years later and I still think of you often. You are missed. Thanks for the ice cream.

Jodi
Friend
August 18, 2010

miss you ...

ofc syl masino 3687 ret
ppd
July 25, 2010

I can see your face as though I saw it only yesterday. Thanks for keeping watch over us from heaven.

Phyllis Hansen Flores
May 27, 2010

Remembering you sir on the 22nd Anniversary of your murder. Keeping you in my prayers. Rest in peace hero in blue

M.E. Berryman
Former I.D. Tech Pinal Co S.O.
May 27, 2010

I still think of you often....Im 37 now and remember you from when i was a little kid...Turning on your lights for me and siren whenever i asked even if for only a second... I had just seen you days before your death and at such a young age i was sad to here the news. I'll never forget you and the job you did to protect and serve the public. I cant thank you enough.

Anonymous
May 24, 2010

It's amazing to me that all of you have left so many wonderful prayers and memories. Kenneth was a wonderful brother son and uncle. We all miss him terribly to this day and it is so comforting that everyone still keeps him in their thoughts.

Kara Michael
Niece
March 23, 2010

It's been 21 years; I still think of you with fondness. Until we meet again..........

Phyllis Hansen Flores
May 27, 2009

Ken and I were in the same academy class. We became good friends at the academy, as well as afterwards. It has been over 20 years since his death. I have retired. Yet, I still think about him. He was a good man, a good friend, a good police officer, and while I didn't know him during his USMC years I'm certain he was a good Marine as well. What a wasteful tragedy his death was. I pray his family has learned to cope with the loss.

Ofc. Matt Ridener #3857
Phoenix Police Dept. (Ret)
March 11, 2009

Officer Collings,
On today, the 20th anniversary of your murder, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the citizens of Phoenix. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous
May 27, 2008

Ken has always held a special place in my heart; he was truly an amazing person. There are constant reminders of him; a certain Waylon Jennings song heard on the radio, the Marine emblem, watching hockey, driving past certain intersections (I avoid driving on McDowell Rd between Grand and I-17), sometimes just seeing a patrol car will do it. My daughter asked about him the other day and telling her stories about him brought a smile to my face and a tear to my eye. Miss you but I know that you are watching over all of us and that we will see each other again someday.

Phyllis Hansen
Friend
May 27, 2008

I worked with Ken at Cactus Park Precinct for several years. As the precinct secretary, I read his reports, sat with him on committees, and spent time just chatting before he hit the street. He was a splendid officer and friend. I was raising my teenage son and often sought Ken's advice; he always had time to listen. He is in my prayers.

Susan J. Elias
Phoenix Police Department
May 8, 2008

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