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Incident
Park Policeman Martin Thomas Collins observed an intoxicated motorist and attempted to stop the driver at Garfield Boulevard and Ashland Avenue, in South Park. He approached the vehicle and ordered the driver to pull over. As the subject pushed Policeman Collins away from the car, he was crushed between two vehicles.
Survivors
Policeman Collins was survived by his wife and five children.
In Our Keeping
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- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Park Policeman Collins served with the South Park District Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Chicago community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Park Policeman Collins.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
South Park District Police Department has lost 10 officers; 2 of them killed feloniously.
Martin is one of 842 officers killed feloniously in IL, 63.9% of the 1,318 remembered there.
Martin is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Martin is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,117 remembered here.
34,117 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1921, 13 officers in IL were killed feloniously, the 16th heaviest of 154 years on record. The heaviest was 1924, with 22.
In 1921, 248 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
In 1921, 516 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, more than in any other year.
Who
Martin was 38. Of the 762 killed feloniously in IL whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 45; the middle age was 38.
Martin was 38. Of the 14,220 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
Martin was 38. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
January holds 7.4% of these deaths in IL; July holds the most, 10.3%. Tuesdays: 13.8%.
January holds 8% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
January holds 7.9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 20% of all 10 deaths at South Park District Police Department, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 50% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63.9% of all 1,318 deaths in IL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 3.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,117 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 4.4% of these deaths.
His people
South Park District Police Department has 10 officers remembered here, Martin among them.
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Julius Humphrey May 10, 1895
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John F. Maher Oct 7, 1916
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Matthew J. Foley Sep 12, 1918
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Martin Thomas Collins
Jan 4, 1921
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Harry J. Busse
Jan 27, 1922
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Daniel J. Carey
Dec 15, 1923
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William J. Allison
Jun 23, 1925
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Thomas J. Johnson Jun 22, 1931
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Arthur R. Wittbrodt Jan 16, 1932
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Willard E. Hoard
Sep 10, 1933
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 45-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
9 officers from South Park District Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
