Sean Collier Scholarship

Sean A. Collier Criminal Justice Scholarship

End of Watch - April 18, 2013

On April 18, 2013, Patrol Officer Sean Collier was shot and killed by the two terrorists who committed the Boston Marathon bombing.

Sean’s life was dedicated to volunteerism.  The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. has recorded a Memorial Tribute detailing his life of service to the community.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Okdbj8Sz4xc

Sean’s family has elected to establish a scholarship in his name at the University, so future students can be aided in pursuing their dream of becoming a law enforcement officer.  It is the family's hope that these new officers will continue Sean’s legacy of service.

Sean graduated from Salem State University in 2009.  While attending Salem State, he became a member of the Somerville Auxiliary Police from 2006 through 2009 where he volunteered hundreds of hours of service.  He became the youngest member to attain the rank of Sergeant.  After graduation, Sean became an intern at Somerville P.D. before becoming a Records Clerk in the late afternoon and evening shift.  He was sponsored by Somerville PD to attend the MBTA Transit Police Academy, which he did on his own time, while still working an evening shift in the Records Bureau and assisting the Technology Officer.  Sean finished top of his class academically and had the highest grade point average of any officer who graduated from the MBTA Academy.

Sean became a member of the MIT Police Department in 2012.  He made it his mission and his goal to gain the trust and confidence of the students.  At MIT, outside of his regular duties Sean took part in the MIT Outing Club, an outdoor adventure group, where he learned the basics of mountaineering.  By getting to know the students, by talking to them, by sharing memories, by hiking with them, he got to know his community. 

In June, 2013, Sean would have been appointed as a Police Officer for the City of Somerville, achieving a long term goal.  On August 22, 2013, Sean Collier was posthumously appointed a Somerville Police Officer.  Badge number 310 was assigned to him, and then retired permanently in his honor.