John M. Collins was one of the world’s heroes in disguise. As a NY Firefighter‚ as a NY Police Officer‚ as a son‚ a brother‚ and as a friend‚ John looked to help and protect those around him. But he tried hard to make sure no one knew about it‚ not even his family.
When he was a child in NY‚ his father would take him to a local firehouse and a friend would put him up on a ladder truck – the impression stuck‚ along with memories of New York firefighters marching on St. Patrick’s Day. Because there were no openings in the Fire Department when John first applied‚ he joined the New York Police Force and served four years‚ during which time‚ as told by his fellow officers‚ he helped poor families by buying groceries for them and sneakers for their children.
When he was appointed to the FDNY‚ John‚ the oldest of five‚ was living out his dream. He was assigned to Ladder Co. 25 in Manhattan. When asked by his family about the dangers of his job‚ or the fires he battled‚ he always tried to change the subject His family joked that he was the only fireman who never went to a fire! Although quiet about his work‚ he reveled in the camaraderie of his fellow firefighters.
John was devoted to his family and took the initiative to make sure they all remained tight knit as they grew older. As his brother and sisters remarked‚ ‘When Johnny arrives‚ the party begins.’ They delighted in the time spent with John‚ his scheduling for attendance at Rock Concerts and vacations at the shore. An avid ‘WHO’ fan‚ he blasted songs and loved to mimic Peter Townsend’s guitar playing style. An intense Giants fan‚ he celebrated every win and minimized any loss!
John had many close friends in NY and enjoyed great times and many happy moments with them. His motto was ‘live life to the fullest‚ but don’t forget to help the next guy.’ On Sept. 11th‚ he gave the ultimate gift – his life for others.
No words were ever spoken No time to say goodbye You were gone before we knew it And only God knows why.
All our love forever‚
Mom and Dad
Anne and Bill
Marty
Eileen and Dan Trish
and Tim Kiera
I wear your name proudly since the day you paid the ultimate price.Thank you for your service
– KarenToday I had the opportunity to do a stair climb in honor of hero. I carried a tag with me of him as I climbed the 110 stories. I’m a fire fighter in Dekalb County, Georgia.
Memory Stair Climb 9/10/2016
May God Bless the Heros
– Kevin FlemingToday we participated in the Colorado 9/11 Stair Climb in honor and memory of your loved one. John is not forgotten.
– Jan GascoigneToday I gave blood at the Spirit of America at the Michigan Internationl Speedway in honor of the fallen heroes of 9/11/2001. When we arrived I was given a tag with a persons name on it. At church earlier this morning we prayed for families and friends of those who had lost a loved one and when I was given the tag with John Michael Collins on it I now had a person to honor and remember. The loss of that day must still be heavy in your heart but please know that I will pray for you daily.
– Sherry WagenknechtOn September 10, 2016, I chose John as one of the three firemen I carried during the Yellow Springs Ohio 9/11 memorial stair climb. I completed the climb in full turnout gear carrying an air pack to honor the fallen. I now carry John’s information badge in my turn out gear.
– Tony DrummondI had the honor and privilege of having your name and picture next to my tags on my gear during a 9/11 memorial stair climb in Rochester, NY today. Thank you for your dedication and service to the city of New York.
– Jimmy CologgiI climbed in honor of John Michael Collins today in Richmond, VA. 9/10/17
– Emily Bell HubbardHanover Fire/EMS
Johnny was my uncle. Although I don’t remember him that well, I do recall a caring, fun loving family man whom we all adored. His example is the reason I am an EMT, and I will forever hold him in my heart as my inspiration and role model. We love you Johnny, we’ll never forget
– Kiera ByrneI met John in a restaurant back in 1998 when my friends and I visited NYC. He was so charming, I couldn’t help but fall for him. We had a whirlwind weekend together, and I will forever cherish those memories. He visited me in Las Vegas just before that horrible day. I wish we had more time together John. God Bless you love. I’ll never forget ya! ❤️
– Veronica DelgadoI climbed Snow King mountain in Jackson WY on 9/11/18 with 100 other first responders. John was the name I represented. I’m glad I found this page so I could learn a little about him and his family. Thank you.
– Erin SheridanWhen I was a baby, I lived on West 77th St in Manhattan, in the apartment building next to Ladder 25. I don’t have any lasting memories from back then, but my parents would always tell me that on Sundays, it meant “Family, Football, and Firehouse”. Every Sunday my parents would bring me downstairs into the firehouse and all the firefighters would put me and my younger brother on the truck. My family knew pretty much every firefighter in that house, including the 6 others that were killed that day. But the one firefighter that stood out to my family and I was John. John was by far the kindest, caring, and most playful of all the guys in the house, and although as I said before I don’t really have any lasting memories from back then, I believe everything my parents have told me about him. After 9/11, my family and I moved about 40 miles north to Yorktown Heights, NY, where I am currently a volunteer firefighter. Without a doubt, John and all the other guys from Ladder 25 are one of the main reasons why became a firefighter, and I absolutely cannot thank them enough from the bottom of my heart.
– Clancy SchwartzMay you rest in peace John, and the 6 others from Ladder 25.
Participated in a Tunnels to Towers run today. Today, I ran for you. On this day, your sacrifice was remembered and honored. You will not be forgotten.
– Angela LangI participated in a 9-11 Memorial Stair Climb in Green Bay, WI on 9/7/19. I was honored to climb in John’s memory. Please know how sorry I am that your wonderful son, brother, and friend lost his life that day. He is not forgotten.
– Catherine SharkeyToday 9/8/19, I climbed in honor of Firefighter John Michael Collins. After reading about John, I will climb in honor of him in all my future climbs.
– FF Scott NelsoFF Scott Nelson
York City Fire/Rescue
On Saturday September 7th, 2019… I participated in the 9/11 Fallen Hero Tribute 10K in Idaho Falls, Idaho. John M. Colins was one of the Fallen Hero’s I got to run for. What a humbling experience. I am honored that I had the chance to do this for him.
– Angie MagoToday I had the honor to wear John’s name on a tag while I climbed 110 stories at Red Rocks, Colorado. I am overwhelmed with emotion and inspiration. Thank you so much for your service. You will never be forgotten❤️
– Jessie BaerToday I carried your card during a 911 tribute stair-climb that a local department set up. I was honored to have you along with..but saddened that you were there after reading your card. Today we live in a world that could benefit from less talk and more action, you obviously believed in the power of doing.
Never forget…
Dean
– Dean Walker - Moscow FireHonored to do the Dansville/Wayland Fire Department Stair Climb in honor of those who gave of themselves for others on 9/11. John Micheal Collins thank you!
– Alise RounsuilleToday I participated in a stair climb today wearing your name tag. You are a true hero.
Memory Stair Climb 9/11/2020
God Bless John and his fallen brothers
– Mason EmblidgeMy Aunt purchased memorial bracelets for us in 2001 and John Collins FDNY is whose name I wear each year since and think of him, even though I never knew him, several times. Sending my thoughts and prayers to his family and friends today. 9/11/2020
– Laura20 years later I still wear your name on a memorial bracelet.. but everyday your name and actions live on in my heart and how I live my life to give to others… you will
– Karen ByrnesAlways be an example of paying it forward.. I’m sorry we never met in life but I can’t wait to party with you in the after life!
20 years later I still wear your name on a memorial bracelet.. but everyday your name and actions live on in my heart and how I live my life to give to others… you will
– Karen ByrnesAlways be an example of paying it forward.. I’m sorry we never met in life
I walk 9.11 miles today for John in full gear. I’m a firefighter in upstate NY. You are not forgotten brother.
– Adam weaverToday I ran a 10K- run for the fallen- your picture was with me and will be with me everyday from now on when I go to work as a 911 dispatcher
– Ruth KruegerMr. Collins is buried across from my mother. Every time I see her I pay tribute to this hero. Thank you for paying the ultimate price and thank you for your service.
– RobI was glad to see John unexpectedly stop into McGilligans on McLean Ave a week before that dreadful day, where I was working as a DJ. Our love of music was a big part of the connection I had with him, as well as the not so subtle “Ball Busting” about my choice of tunes. I’ll never forget him always asking sarcastically to play some Depeche Mode.
– RocknRedRIP Johnny
RIP HERO. WE WILL NEVER FORGET.
– Cecilia CrystalThank you for your service and God bless rip my brother
– Mark csepiI had the honor to walk in memory of John during the memorial stairclimb yesterday. I walked with my 3-year old daughter on my back and she fell asleep holding the tag last night ❤️
– Ashley PevinePrivileged to carryJohn during the 2021 Bishop remembrance stair climb.
– DeniseSeptember 2022 is the 21-year anniversary of 9/11. To the Collins Family, know that John will never be forgotten. He is a true HERO!!!
– Lisa HopmanToday I wore your name with pride as I climbed the 110 stories at Lambeau Field in Green Bay Wisconsin. I will never forget the sacrifice you made on that dreadful day.
– Tiffany SasseI participated in this year’s 2023 Stair Climb at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, WI. I climbed because John climbed! I had the privilege of honoring his memory and having John’s picture hanging from my helmet…He was remembered and will never be forgotten!
– JONATHAN HESS, CAPTAIN, CRESCENT VOL FIRE DEPT, WI