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Brian William Collins
January 28, 1964 - February 15, 1999
Brian William Collins, 35, a Lieutenant in the Fort Worth Fire Department, gave his life in the line of duty while fighting a church fire in Lake Worth, Northwest of Fort Worth, on Monday, February 15, 1999.
Brian had served 15 years with the Forth Worth Fire Department, 19 years with the River Oaks Volunteer Fire Department and was a 10-year veteran master sergeant with the Air Force Reserve. He was on the promotion list for fire captain in the Fort Worth department, expecting promotion in the next several weeks.
Brian Collins was born January 28, 1964 on Staten Island, N.Y. His early childhood years were spent in Missouri, Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. At age 16, he joined the River Oaks Volunteer Fire Department. The first major structure fire he helped battle was the River Oaks United Methodist Church, where he stretched and rolled hoses. His last fire was at Precious Faith Community Church in Lake Worth, where he was manning a hose nozzle, having re-entered the building to provide a needed covering hose for the men still inside. Between these episodes, Brian's life and service epitomized what it meant to be a dedicated fireman who would place his life on the line to be of service to his community. He was the first certified emergency medical technician (EMT) of the River Oaks Volunteer Fire Department at the age of 19, action on his own initiative, paying for and completing the course offered by the College of Osteopathic Medicine. He was qualified as a master firefighter for Fort Worth through his years of experience and specialized training. He served the city of River Oaks as fire marshal, chairman of the park board and was the current emergency management coordinator.
Brian married Mary Ray of Fort Worth on June 4, 1987, Son Ryan, age 5, and daughter Hannah, age 2, were the central elements of his life. A third child is expected in June 1999. His desire to live as a husband and father of Christian character, values and convictions governed his many-faceted life. The family is very active in their home church of Birchman Baptist Church. Brian was a godly man, a loving husband, father, and son and brother, and a dedicated community servant. He will be greatly missed.
On June 23rd, 1999, Mary Collins gave birth to their son, Nathan Dean Collins. |
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