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Incident
Lieutenant Tommy Collins was shot and killed while assisting other officers in responding to a call involving a man firing a .30-.30 rifle at construction workers working at the Ben Donnell Housing Project. Wh officers arrived at 205 E. Wichita, Lieutenant Collins and two other officers were wounded by the gunfire. Lieutenant Collins was transported to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his wounds. The suspect was apprehended and sentenced to three 99-year prison terms. Lieutenant Collins had served with the Wichita Falls Police Department for 31 years.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife, three children, and mother.
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
31 years. You could have gone home.
Lieutenant Collins gave the Wichita Falls Police Department 31 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Wichita Falls community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Lieutenant Collins.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Wichita Falls Police Department has lost 7 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
Walter is one of 1,461 officers killed feloniously in TX, 60.3% of the 2,422 remembered there.
Walter is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Walter is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1989, 12 officers in TX were killed feloniously, the 31st heaviest of 180 years on record. The heaviest was 1928, with 19.
In 1989, 97 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 55th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1989, 108 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 55th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
Walter was 52. Of the 1,330 killed feloniously in TX whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 37. Walter had served 31 years; the middle length of service was 4 years.
Walter was 52. 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. Walter had served 31 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Walter was 52. Of the 15,854 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38. Walter had served 31 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
July holds 9.4% of these deaths in TX; December holds the most, 10.4%. Tuesdays: 11.2%.
July holds 9.3% of these deaths in the United States; December holds the most, 9.4%. Tuesdays: 13.4%.
July holds 9% of these deaths worldwide; December holds the most, 9.2%. Tuesdays: 13.3%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 42.9% of all 7 deaths at Wichita Falls Police Department, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 33.3% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 60.3% of all 2,422 deaths in TX, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 7.2% 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 rifle, in 5.9% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was rifle, in 5.3% of these deaths.
His people
Wichita Falls Police Department has 7 officers remembered here, Walter among them.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 47-E
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
6 officers from Wichita Falls Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
