LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Suffolk County Police Officer Mark
Collins upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Police
Conference of New York Medal of Valor

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of individuals who
devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Suffolk County Police Officer Mark Collins upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Police Conference of New York Medal of
Valor; and
WHEREAS, The Police Conference of New York Medal of Valor is awarded
for acts of outstanding personal bravery and valor intelligently
performed in the line of duty at imminent personal hazard to life under
circumstances evincing a disregard of personal consequences; and
WHEREAS, On March 11, 2015, Suffolk County Police Officer Mark Collins
was assigned to the Second Precinct gang unit; he and two of his part-
ners were on patrol in an unmarked vehicle checking known gang
locations; and
WHEREAS, At 11:30 P.M. after observing a car speeding and driving
erratically, Officer Mark Collins and his two partners conducted a traf-
fic stop and identified three of the four occupants as known gang
members; and
WHEREAS, During the car stop, one of the occupants fled on foot and
was immediately pursued by Officer Mark Collins who was able to overtake
him; a violent confrontation ensued with Officer Mark Collins deploying
his taser which had no effect on the individual; and
WHEREAS, Officer Mark Collins then engaged in hand-to-hand combat;
during the fight, the gang member produced a handgun and fired four
rounds at point blank range; Officer Collins was struck twice, once in
his neck and once in his hip area; and
WHEREAS, Seriously wounded and temporarily unable to use his right arm
and leg, Officer Mark Collins was unable to get to his service weapon or
otherwise stop the suspect who was out of gun fire; the suspect fled;
and
WHEREAS, Although shot, bleeding and paralyzed, Officer Mark Collins
was able to call for help; upon the arrival of other officers, he
advised them who had shot him and, subsequently, instructed them how to
best treat his wounds; and
WHEREAS, A Suffolk County Police helicopter airlifted Officer Mark
Collins to Stony Brook University Hospital; and
WHEREAS, The suspect was located by a K-9 unit, and was placed into
custody within one hour of the incident; and
WHEREAS, After a period of rehabilitation, Officer Mark Collins
returned to work and is currently assigned to the emergency services
section; his bravery and fortitude in the face of death allowed a
violent, recidivist felon to be taken off the street; the perpetrator is
currently serving 55 years to life in prison; and
WHEREAS, Rare indeed is the impressive dedication shown by an individ-
ual for the benefit of others which Officer Mark Collins has displayed
throughout his life; and
WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife, Kristin, and his
daughter, Kara, both of whom feel privileged to be in his life, and
rejoice in his achievements; and

WHEREAS, A true asset to society, Officer Mark Collins' distinguished
record merits the recognition and respectful tribute of this Legislative
Body; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Suffolk County Police Officer Mark Collins upon the occasion of
his designation as recipient of the Police Conference of New York Medal
of Valor; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Officer Mark Collins.