Sean Collier

My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family, Sean. May you rest in the sweetest peace. You're forever a hero in my heart and the heart of Boston.

To the Collier family I leave this thought -- Although Sean is physically gone from this world, his memory will live on in the hearts and minds of those who knew and loved him. The following poem was written by Clare Harner Lyon:

Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunshine on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn's rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

I am an MIT alum. I remember the officers on campus who were diligent in safeguarding the well-being of us students. It was with sadness that I heard about Sean's passing last week. Many condolences to his family.

Officer Sean Collier will be an example and a symbol for our community for the rest of MIT's history. Eternal glory for Officer Shaw and solidarity and condolences to his family.

Mauricio Ramirez, MsCE 1987
Bogota, Colombia

I graduated from MIT in 2007 and did not have the privilege of meeting Officer Sean Collier, but from the memories I've read he was exactly the type of police officer I want protecting the MIT students and campus--a great friend to students with a passion for protecting others.

I remember walking down Vassar St. and Main St. alone between 10pm-2am on many occasions during my Senior year, heading to an apartment East of MIT. I often saw an MIT police patrol car stationed on Vassar on my way, and always felt safer for their presence. I know that Officer Collier gave his life providing that same sense of security to students.

I usually only wear my brass rat for special events or to remind myself of the perseverance I gained through the rigor of an MIT education; I wear it now in honor and remembrance of Sean Collier's bravery. My thoughts and prayers are with Sean's family, friends, and the rest of the MIT community.

-Class of '07 alum in Atlanta, GA

My deepest condolences to the Collier family and the MIT community.

To the family of MIT Police officer Sean Collier,

It is truly hitting me now how lucky I am. If I had left for work a few minutes earlier I would have been exactly where your loved one was taken by these monsters. Officer Collier did his duty and paid the ultimate price for it. You should be beyond proud of him for doing what many wouldn't have. I thank him from the bottom of my heart. Know that Boston and the rest of the country are in your family's thoughts and prayers. God bless you and all the first responders out there.

Sincerely,

A grateful citizen

Thank you Officer Collier for your willingness and courage to protect our MIT community. Condolences to your near and dear ones; may God grant them comfort during this time.

To the family of MIT Police officer Sean Collier,

It is truly hitting me now how lucky I am. If I had left for work a few minutes earlier I would have been exactly where your loved one was taken by these monsters. Officer Collier did his duty and paid the ultimate price for it. You should be beyond proud of him for doing what many wouldn't have. I thank him from the bottom of my heart. Know that Boston and the rest of the country are in your family's thoughts and prayers. God bless you and all the first responders out there.

Sincerely,

A grateful citizen

My deepest condolences to the Collier family. I am deeply saddened by the loss of this member of our community. My condolences and deepest thanks also go out to the MIT Police who continue to keep us safe every day.

From Newfoundland,
Deepest, deepest condolences.