Sean Collier

Dear Sean,

During the past 10 years I have been at MIT, pursuing various degrees and activities, the Institute has become a second home and its members my extended family. You and your fellow MIT Police Officers have always helped us students feel safe, and not only safe: cared about and supported, which is no mean feat at MIT in the dark winter months under the load of deadlines. When I hear that you were offered a position in the Somerville Police Force, I think, "Oh, but don't leave us! We care so much about you and don't want you to leave." And then I remember that someone already took you away from us, too permanently and too soon.

While we can never repay your sacrifice, I hope that as a community we will find a way to honor your memory, your spirit, your courage, and how much you cared about your fellow man.

Make no mistake, you ARE a hero Officer Collier, and you will never be forgotten for your service to your community. True definition of a Police Officer. God Speed, and rest in piece. Wishing a speedy recovery for brother Officer Donohue.

The past is a very safe place; nothing ever changes there.

There are no words that are enough...may the memory of you last forever.

Thank you Officer Collier, and all public safety officers entrusted to protect the faculty, staff, and students of our great MIT community. Your sacrifice humbles me and I grieve for you deeply.

Thank you for your dedication and for protecting the MIT community.

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.