Sean Collier

When I was an undergrad at MIT, my friends and I used to walk around campus at all hours of the night, whether for a midnight snack, post-midnight sandwich, or to turn in a last minute problem set. We always took it for granted that the entire campus was absolutely safe, even though the doors to 77 Mass Ave are never locked. My mom said she didn't sleep a wink the first two months I was at college because she was afraid that something would happen to me, but honestly I felt safer walking around campus at night than I did around my neighborhood at home. I'm so thankful to the MIT Police Department for all the hard work they do day in and day out to make the entire MIT campus feel like an extension of my home. I felt so saddened and hurt when I heard about Officer Collier's death. It was like someone had gotten shot in my home. Thank you for all your hard work keeping the MIT community safe. You will be missed.

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

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

The officer squared his shoulder and said, No, Lord, I guess I ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges 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 tough.

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

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

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 silence all around the throne, where the saints often trod.
As the officer waited quietly for the judgment of his God.

Step forward now, Officer. You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on heaven's streets, You've done your time in hell

- Author Unknown
Godspeed brother. You won't be forgotten.

I didn't know Officer Collier, but I visited the MIT campus often as I am freinds with several MIT employees. I just wanted to express my condolences at his passing.

"A little rose flickers on your grave
I know on that day, you were so brave
We would've liked to have said goodbye
You will always be the angel in the corner of our eye"

Rest in peace Officer Sean

I´m Sure you are in peace now. Thank you for trying to built a better world.

You didn't deserve to die. I pray for your family as they go through this difficult phase in their lives. Your sacrifice shall never be forgotten.

Thank you for your service. My prayers are with your family and friends.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Collier family. As a graduate student that often works late nights, I am so thankful for the brave members of the MIT Police , like Sean, who keep us safe and sacrifice their own safety at this cost. I didn't know Sean, but from what I have heard and read, he seems like he was an absolute stand up man, who was kind, dedicated, helpful, and friendly, and devote his life to the cause of public safety. He will always be remembered.

you and you're family are in my thoughts and prayers. Wilmington loves and misses you.
Rest in Peace Sean.

I'm an MIT employee, although I didn't know Officer Collier, I wonder how many times I may have seen him in passing. Today I thank him for making the ultimate sacrifice to keep our community safe. Office Collier, you will NEVER be forgotten! My heartfelt condolences go out to the Collier family and to his friends. My thoughts & prayers are with you during this difficult time. May the lord surround you with his peace, strength and continued love & support from those around you. In the words of Newton shooting victim (Anna Marquez-Greene), through the midst of this senseless tragedy...LOVE WINS! GOD BLESS!

Dear Sean,

I never got to meet you personally but everyone always spoke of you with the utmost respect.
We will not forget you!

Sean, you served MIT incredibly and humbly. I wish I could better express the pain it causes me to see you give your life in service.
There's no greater love than this, that you laid down your life for this campus. I wish nothing but the best for your family, and pray that God will touch them in this healing process. You'll not be forgotten, Sean.