Chief of Police William J. Collins

Chief of Police William J. Collins | Stockbridge Police Department, Massachusetts
Stockbridge Police Department, Massachusetts
Chief of Police William J. Collins

Stockbridge Police Department, Massachusetts

End of Watch Wednesday, August 7, 1957

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William J. Collins

Chief of Police William Collins suffered a fatal heart attack during a high-speed chase on Route 183, near the Berkshire Garden Center, in Interlaken.

The car he was chasing was being driven by two teenage escapees from the Shirley Industrial school. They had stolen gasoline in Marlboro and Great Barrington. Both were taken into custody by the state police.

Chief Collins had served with the Stockbridge Police Department for 12 years and had been chief of police for three years. He was survived by his wife, three sisters, and a brother.

Bio

  • Age 53
  • Tour 12 years
  • Badge Not available

Incident Details

  • Cause Heart attack
  • Weapon Person
  • Offender Not available
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Chief Collins, I'm not aware of the eventual fate of the two teenagers, but I hope and pray they straightened out their lives and took personal responsibility for your passing. Something tells me I'm way off, but I want to believe otherwise.

It's been 65 years since your passing. I'm sure the Stockbridge Police and your descendants have all kept your name and memory in a place of honor, as it should be.

God Bless you, Brother and may your continued rest be ever peaceful.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Department

August 7, 2022

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