Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, Mississippi
End of Watch: Friday, May 9, 2014
Age: 56
Tour of Duty: 15 years
Badge Number: 141
Cause of Death: Vehicular assault
Date of Incident: May 9, 2014
Weapon Used: Automobile
Suspect Info: In custody
Master Sergeant John Collum was struck and killed by a vehicle on John Rankin Highway, just north of Fulton while investigating a prowler at approximately 10:00 pm
A neighbor of Sergeant Collum's had called him to report the prowler, causing him to go out and investigate. He was struck by a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed on the highway.
The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and was taken into custody by Itawamba County deputies with charges pending.
Sergeant Collum had served with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks for 15 years. He was named the Southeast Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ Officer of the Year in 2012. He is survived by his wife, two sons, four grandchildren, his parents, five sisters, and two brothers.