Update on Officer Mark Collins & Statements from Officials

According to police, Officer Collins condition has improved. He is out of the drug induced coma and is conscious and responsive.

A statement from Assemblyman Chad Lupinacci:

“Suffolk County Police Officer Mark Collins in a shooting while patrolling the Huntington Station Area. This event serves as a devastating reminder of the constant dangers faced by those who wear a police uniform. My thoughts and prayers go out to Officer Collins – and his family and friends – for a swift and full recovery. Officer Collins and others like him whose courageous actions defend our communities are admirable and greatly deserving of recognition.”

Statement from Senator Marcellino:

“Suffolk County Police Officer Mark Collins was brutally shot during a routine traffic stop in Huntington Station.  As a 12 year veteran of the force and the Suffolk County Police officer of the year in 2009, his bravery and dedication is well known and unquestioned.  Our prayers are with his wife and family. Thankfully Officer Collins’ doctors are confident of a full recovery.  This heinous crime reminds us how lucky we are to have the finest law enforcement officers protecting us 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  The coward who allegedly pulled the trigger has been arrested and should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Statement from County Executive Bellone:

“Please keep Suffolk County Police Department Officer Mark Collins and his family in your thoughts and prayers. My deepest appreciation goes out to Suffolk’s finest for continuing to put themselves in harm’s way to protect our communities. May God watch over Officer Collins and his family.

Our Huntington Station Violence Initiative has resulted in 724 arrests with 91 of those arrestees confirmed as gang members.

The Suffolk County Police Department will continue its effective crime fighting strategies within Huntington Station on behalf of all residents of the community.”

Statement from Inspector Brady, Commanding Officer, Second Precinct, Suffolk County Police Department:

“On behalf of the entire Suffolk County Police Department, and particularly Police Officer Mark Collins and his family, I want to thank all those who have contacted us with your expressions of concern, sympathy and offers of support.

Though seriously injured, the prognosis is very good for Officer Collins’ full recovery for which we are all incredibly grateful.  Additionally, we are grateful to all the first responders who treated Officer Collins at the scene, while in helicopter transport, and the medical staff at Stony Brook University Hospital.

Officer Collins has distinguished himself as a Second Precinct Police Officer during his 12-year career as a highly decorated officer who has taken great pride in serving our community in what is clearly a high-risk profession; but a profession he and all the rest of us in law enforcement are uniquely dedicated to.

Officer Collins is a member of the Second Precinct Gang Unit—a unit which has successfully participated in combating crime in the Huntington community as part of our Huntington Station Violence Initiative (HSVI).

As many of you are aware, we created the HSVI in July 2014 in response to an increase in criminal activity in our community.  As of 3/12/15, the HSVI has resulted in 724 arrests with 91 of those arrestees confirmed as gang members.  I believe our residents have seen a noticeable improvement in the community with the reduction of criminal activity and quality of life concerns.

I again would like to thank you for your support during this challenging time and ask for your continued calm and please rest assured we will continue our effective crime fighting strategies on behalf of all residents in our community.”

From Huntington Town Supervisor Frank Petrone:

“It is sad that a Suffolk County police officer was injured while on duty and while engaged in the type of aggressive anti-gang effort aimed at making all of us safer. What happened serves to remind us of the inherent danger of police work and of the proactive measures the Suffolk County Police Department has undertaken to combat crime in Huntington Station, an effort that must continue. We will continue to work with the police to address crime in Huntington Station. We support all they have done so far and pledge all we can do in the future to assist them. I send Officer Collins my hopes and prayers for a swift, complete recovery.”