Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

Chief of Police James H. Collins

Hanover Police Department, New Hampshire

End of Watch Friday, January 30, 1987

Leave a Reflection

Reflections for Chief of Police James H. Collins

Chief Collins, it has been 37 years since you were taken from us. New Hampshire law enforcement has continued to thrive, learn and become safer due to the traditions and sacrifices you, your family, and many others have made for us. Thank you for your 22 years of law enforcement service.

Chief (Ret) Steven Marshall
Georges Mills, NH

January 30, 2024

Thank you for your service and unselfish sacrifice for your fellow man! You belong to HIM now and forever! May your family and friends find comfort and peace in that fact. God Bless!

Rev. Steven R. Closs, D.D.
Retired Captain, Nashua Police Department, Nashua, NH

June 9, 2013

Chief Collins,
I write to you from my Criminal Justice class where we are recognizing the fallen heroes of New Hampshire. I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the sacrifices and risks you took when in service. You were known and loved by many and will never be forgotten.

Danielle La Crosse
Inspired Student: Concord, NH

May 17, 2012

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 25th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

I pray for the solace of all those who love and remember you for I know both the pain and pride are forever. I hold your family in my heart's embrace today.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

January 30, 2012

Chief Collins-

On this 25th anniversary of your sacrifice, Thank You for your service to our community.

You are not forgotten.

Lt. Michael Evans
Hanover Police Department

January 30, 2012

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family on this anniversary.

Former N.H. Police Officer
Fauquier County, VA

January 29, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR LONG AND DEDICATED SERVICE, YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE, GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL THOSES THAT LOVE YOU

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

January 27, 2008

"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

December 11, 2007

Two decases have passed but you have not been forgotten. Continue to keep watch over your loved ones. You are a true hero and heroes never die. Thank you for your dedicated service to law enforcement.

Bob Gordon
Father of Michael P. Gordon, EOW: 8/8/04

January 30, 2007

Chief Collins thank-you for your years of service and the sacrifice you made. 7/26/03

Sr. Trooper Keith Miller
Oregon State Police

Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:

  • Quick access to your heroes
  • Reflections published quicker
  • Save a Reflection signature
  • View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past

Create an account for more options, or use this form to leave a Reflection now.