Police Officer Kenneth L. Collings

Police Officer Kenneth L. Collings | Phoenix Police Department, Arizona
Phoenix Police Department, Arizona
Police Officer Kenneth L. Collings

Phoenix Police Department, Arizona

End of Watch Friday, May 27, 1988

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Kenneth L. Collings

Police Officer Kenneth Collings was shot and killed while working a uniformed off-duty security job at a local bank at W. McDowell Road and 21rst Avenue.

He was in the process of arresting two robbery suspects at a Valley National Bank branch when one of the suspects opened fire, fatally wounding him. One of the men was arrested shortly thereafter. The second suspect was arrested in Mexico in June 2000 after being wounded in a shootout with police.

The man was extradited to Arizona after state prosecutors agreed not to seek the death penalty. In November 2002 he was sentenced to life in prison.

Officer Collings was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and had served with the Phoenix Police Department for eight years. He was survived by his mother and four sisters.

Bio

  • Age 32
  • Tour 8 years
  • Badge 3855
  • Military Veteran

Incident Details

  • Cause Gunfire
  • Weapon Gun; Unknown type
  • Offender Sentenced to life

arrest, robbery, secondary employment

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I didn't know Ken. But he is a brother. I graduated from the Phoenix Regional Police Academy almost exactly two years to the day prior to Ken's death. His funeral was the first in the line of duty death I attended. It affected me profoundly and I have never forgot his name. After having been retired now for seven years, I was reflecting on my career. Ken came to mind. I made it to retirement while he and his family were robbed of that opportunity. Ken's sacrifice is not forgotten. I pray he and his family are at peace.

Detective Matt Harris
Tempe Police Department - Retired

June 13, 2021

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