LODD-Deputy Kenneth Collier-EOW 02/28/2010

[RescueKujo 130]

On February 28, 2010, at about 3:20 AM, Sheriff’s Deputy Collier was driving westbound on State Route 52 with Sheriff’s Dispatcher Ryan Debillis riding along. Deputy Collier reported he saw a wrong way driver headed towards him in the westbound lanes of Highway 52 while he was driving westbound on Highway 52. A few minutes later the Highway Patrol relayed a report of a patrol car driving off the freeway. Deputies from the Santee Station responded and searched the area but were initially unable to locate him so they broadcast 11-99 (Officer Down). Deputy Collier radioed dispatch using his handheld radio while Dispatcher Ryan Debillis used his cell phone to notify the Communications Center they had crashed in a ravine and needed help.

Santee Deputies located the patrol car and reported it was on fire near a bridge on State Route 52 between Mast Blvd. and Santo Rd. in Santee. Deputy Collier and Dispatcher Debillis both were responsive but had apparently suffered significant injuries. Paramedics took Dispatcher Debillis to UCSD Hospital where he is responsive and in stable condition. An Air Ambulance took Deputy Collier to Sharp Memorial Hospital where Doctors continued CPR and other Advanced Life Saving Measures. At about 5:30 AM, Deputy Collier succumbed to his injuries.

Deputy Collier was assigned to the Marshall's Office for a few years before moving to the Sheriff's Office during the merger in 2000. Deputy Collier’s last assignment was at the Santee Sheriff’s Station.

The California Highway Patrol is invesitgating the accident and should be contacted for any questions related to the accident.

[ex-commish 490]

May he rest in peace.

[PFDRes47cue 653]

Thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and fellow officers. May he rest in peace! "Only the good die young" - Billy Joel

[FFFORD 27]

may he rest in peace. prayers to the family and friends.

[DOC22 1]

May he rest in Peace, and may God grant his family, friends and Fellow Officers the strength to get through this most difficult time.