Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My deepest sympathy goes out to his wife, children, family, and fellow officers. I will pray for all.

civilian

January 9, 2006

Blessed are the Peacemakers because they will be called sons of God.
-Matthew 5:9

As I sit here the morning of your Funeral, I can not sleep. Words can not describe what I am feeling for You, Your Wife, Your Children, and Your Family.

We have lost one of our own. One of our loved ones. A Brother in Blue. Gone, but never forgotten. You will always be remembered in our Thoughts and in our Prayers.

I will miss your humor. Your smile. Your dedication to your loved ones.

Rest assured Ethan, your Family will never be alone. They need only ask and it will be done. Once a part of our Family, always a part of our Family.

Your Tour Is Over My Friend. We Will Take It From Here.

Rest now "Nancy".
Your Friend, "Mables"

Deputy James E Nicolia
Fairfield County Sheriff's Office

January 9, 2006

Ethan, I want to say thank you for making us all feel safe when we worked the night shift at the Pleasantville Marathon. I will miss you coming in and checking in on us. Rest in peace my friend and God Bless. God wanted a special angel and he really got a good one this time. Rest in Peace.

Robin Brown

January 8, 2006

You made the ultimate sacrifice. May you rest in peace. God Bless you and your family.

The streets you patrolled will never be the same.

Civilian
[email protected]

January 8, 2006

may God be w/ your family, friends & co-workers in this time of need. May your wife find comfort in the time she DID have w/ you & may she have the strength to pick up the pieces for your children....RIP...Tell Courtney we miss him deeply.

friend of fallen hero E.O.W. 11/11/05

January 8, 2006

Rest in peace. Prayers to Deputy Collin's family for strength and comfort at this difficult time. Prayers also to the Fairfield County Sheriff's employees who have lost a coworker and friend.

Karen Matheis
Aunt of Beth Whipple: Fairfield County Sheriff's Dept. Dispatcher

January 8, 2006

RIP brother.........

Ofc. Dan Jones #2079 (Med. Ret)
Columbus Ohio Division of Police

January 8, 2006

Ethan,

As I sit here writing this, I am trying to find the right things to say, however, that is not an easy task. I will not only miss seeing you around the Office, but I am going to miss seeing your smiling face, and I'll miss your sense of humor. Know that we will take care of your family to the best of our ability, and know that we will continue our work here, as we know that you would do the same for us.

Deputy Tony Cox
Unit 237
Fairfield County Sheriffs Office

Deputy Tony Cox
Fairfield County Sheriffs Office

January 8, 2006

+ Rest In Peace My Brother +
Deputy Collins, Thank you for your years of service- God remembers the ones that put themselves between the good and the evil in our world. Your sacrifice will not go unrewarded, God has you and your family in his arms... and will see your family through this.
As you look down on your family wrap your wings around them so that they still feel your love and feel you near.
Rest in peace now my brother and know that your brothers and sisters will never forget you and they will continue to stand that "BLUE" wall in your honor and memory.
To your family- I know that there are no words that can ease your pain or loss... But try to take comfort in the fact that Ethan was doing what he believed in so strongly and he was trying to get to another Officer who needed help. I am so sorry that I never had the honor to know him.
+ Rest Now My Brother, You Have Earned It +

" I Never Dreamed "
I never dreamed it would be me
My name for all eternity
Recorded here at this hallowed place
Alas, my name, no more my face

"In the line of duty" I hear them say
My family now the price will pay
My folded flag stained with their tears
We only had those few short years

The badge no longer on my chest
I sleep now in eternal rest
My sword I pass to those behind
And pray they keep this thought in mind

I never dreamed it would be me
And with heavy heart and bended knee
I ask for all here from the past
Dear God, let my name be the last
(Author unknown)

God bless all the men and women in blue.

Ethan- Please say hello to Tom Glynn (Chicago Police E.O.W. Sept. 1974)
And Tell Jim Knapp (Cook County Sheriff's E.O.W. 4 Jan. 2006)that we will look after Grace for him.
Thank you Brother.

Deputy A. Lazarus #3820
Cook County Sheriff's Department 6th Dist.

January 8, 2006

Ethan you will be missed greatly. My words will never be enough to show your wife and children how much. May you rest peacefully. You where a great Man and a perfect father and a good friend. It was and Honor to have known and worked with you. So now my brother may you rest in peace. You will never be forgotten.

Deputy John Williamson
Fairfield County Sheriff's Office

January 8, 2006

While it is no consolation for your loss, our heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family and fellow officers of Deputy Collins.

While no member of our agency had the privilege to have known him personally, we are certain that he has found a place in heaven through his selfless service to those he swore to protect.

Rest in peace officer; those of us who remain will cover your post on the thin blue line.

Medicine Lodge Police Department
Medicine Lodge, KS

January 8, 2006

G-d Speed My Brother. We'll be there to honor you Monday!

uc
odps Inv Unit

January 8, 2006

God Bless you Deputy Collins and be with your family during this trying time.

Deputy Jeff Bessinger
Delaware County Sheriffs Office

January 8, 2006

Ethan,
Words can't describe the loss we all feel. Words could never describe the understanding we have. Everyday we put on that uniform and badge, is a day of uncertainty. You've taught all of us something, even after death. You are still teaching us, in doing what you loved to do, helping others. "You will be greatly missed, but not forgotten."

Deputy Ronda Bailey
Fairfield Co. Sheriff's Office

January 8, 2006

We gather today to remember,
the sacrifices our loved ones have made.
We will never forget those loved ones,
and the terrible price they have paid.
Their courage, dedication and professionalism
will forever be alive in our hearts.
May God, in His infinite power,
help to mend those broken parts.
There is no greater pain,
then the loss of those we love,
But we pray you will find inner strength,
with guidance from the Lord above.
It's a very tough journey you are faced with,
but together we can all make it through.
So, we gather today to remember, and share
the love for "Our Heroes in Blue.
"We know they are watching us now,
and so proud that you're all here.
They would like to see smiles not sadness;
see hope in your eyes not fear.
They are at peace with the Lord up in heaven,
and they would like us to be at peace too.
They know in their hearts how we miss them,
and they want you to know they miss you.
May you all find some solace in knowing,
that in God's eyes, they did not die in vain.
They gave their lives doing a job they believe in,
and it hurts them to see you in pain.
So as we pray for those loved ones we lost,
They would like us to pray too;
For the brave men and women still out there,
their Brothers and Sisters in Blue.

Ret. Officer William Hackley
Baltimore Police

January 8, 2006

Ethan

I've had the extreme pleasure of
knowing you and having the experience of
being your supervisor. I always admired
your quite humor. You were a great asset
to our office and the community in which
you served. You will be greatly missed.You will always be remembered. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your loved ones.

Sgt. Andy Dreyer # 24
Fairfield County Sheriff's Office

Andy Dreyer
Fairfield County Sheriff's Office

January 8, 2006

Mrs. Collins and all of Deputy Collins family, co-workers and loving friends, I will pray for you everyday, but remember that Ethan lost his life doing what he loved to do. God made very special individuals to be in Law Enforcement. Always be proud of him,and most of all let his children know that he was a hero here on earth and now in heaven with the lord. As a Police Officers wife we live day by day, standing by our men and loving them unconditionaly, knowing how proud and happy they are when they wear that uniform so proudly, it is hard being married to the law, but we take everyday as it comes because we love them so much. I remind our children everday to be so very proud of all officers and the sacrifices they make for the people of their communities. Ethan is now patroling the streets of Heaven and cannot be hurt by this cruel and dangerous world. I am so deeply sorry for your loss and the loss we all must face when a police officer is killed everyday. God be with them all!!

A Loving Officers Wife,

Jeffersontown, Kentucky
Police Department

THE WIFE OF A POLICE OFFICER
Jefffersontown Police Dept. Kentucky

January 8, 2006

Thank you for your dedication and service, Deputy Collins.
May the Lord comfort your family and friends at this difficult time.

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

Wife of a Deputy
SBSD, California

January 7, 2006

Deputy Collins may you rest in peace. God Bless your family and friends.

TRP GARY SANDERS
OKLAHOMA HIGHWAY PATROL

January 7, 2006

A letter from Heaven:

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.

I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.


Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.

That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.

I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.

And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight,
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.

But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.

But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.

It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."

And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.

When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

To Ethan's Family:
Thank you for your sacrifice, it will never go forgotten. I wish you well in the roads ahead, you are all in my prayers. God Bless you. (Author unknown)

To Ethan:
Thank your for your service Ethan. Keep watch over us all and God Bless you. You were a great man and a wonderful friend. Keep close to your family and know you will always be remembered and loved by many.

Old Friend
Civilian

January 7, 2006

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Rest in peace.

Dodi
civilian

January 7, 2006

The policeman stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.

"Step forward now, policeman.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true?"

The policeman squared his shoulders and said,
"No lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry a badge
can't always be a saint."

I've had to work most Sundays,
and at times my talk was rough,
and sometimes I've been violent,
Because the streets are awfully tough.

But I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep
Though I worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at time I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the policeman waited quietly,
For the judgement of his god.

"Step forward now, policeman,
You've born your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell"

GREGG HOUSTON
SOUTH CAROLINA

January 7, 2006

ITS BEEN AWHILE, SINCE HIGH SCHOOL, THANKS FOR ALWAYS KEEPING US LAUGHING. WE ALL PRAY FOR YOUR FAMILY, WE WILL MISS YOU OLD FRIEND.THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE.
GOD BLESS
TW

OLD FRIEND

January 7, 2006

Your time has come to join every other Hero in the Streets of Heaven. Please take care of the rest of the Ohio Hero's when you get there and look after all the Thin Blue Line Brothers and Sisters.

Ptl. Derek Wallace
Wellston Police Department

January 7, 2006

As the anniversary of my late fiancé's EOW passes it breaks my heart to know that yet another officer has fallen and that yet another family has to start off the new year without the man they loved. My heart goes out to everyone who knew and loved Deputy Collins, especially to his wife. Know that you are not alone in the "journey" that you walk. If you ever need anything please don't hesitate to contact me. The Davis Co. Sheriff's Office in Iowa will always know how to reach me.

From reading all the reflections left for Ethan, he sounds like he was a great man and a beautiful spirit. Those of you who knew him in life were so blessed to have been able to share in it. I hope that you will all continue to find a way to celebrate and remember Ethan's life and the MAN that he was. His life was about so much more than the way he died. Remember that "Wherever a beautiful soul has been ... there is a trail of beautiful memories." Ethan will live on in those memories.

Deputy Collins, thank you for helping to make this world a little safer for us all. YOU will not be forgotten. Please continue to watch over all of us as only you can. If you happen to bump into my fiancé Dennis up there give him a big hug for me and the kids. It's been three years but we still miss him terribly.

Wishing you brighter and better days,


Jocelyne :)

"Forever Remembering 26-3"
http://inlovingmemoryof.us/DennisMcElderry

Jocelyne Brar (Winnipeg, MB Canada)
Fiancée of Deputy Sheriff Dennis Ray McElderry (EOW: 01/03/03)

January 7, 2006