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17th District Police Officer Michael Collins attributes adrenaline to his climbing on a roof to save a mother and child as well as entering a burning building in an attempt to save two other children in November.
Collins along with 21 other 17th District officers were recognized for their outstanding work as Officers of the Month in a given month throughout 2010 Tuesday morning at a blue ribbon ceremony at JNA Caterers, 1212 S. Broad St.
“I wasn’t going to let them die,” Collins, a three-year district cop said of his motivation to enter the home.
Collins was patrolling the area at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 5 when he saw some kids jumping around. He thought they may be fighting, so he parked on a small side street and soon realized there was a fire on the 1500 block of South Corlies Street.
“I walked down the street and saw smoke,” the resident of Second and Jackson streets said. “A couple neighbors threw up a ladder for me.”
Collins, a member of the Satin Slipper Fancy Brigade, 1444 S. Second St., climbed up to the rear kitchen roof where a 30-year-old and her 4-year-old daughter were stranded as the home behind them was engulfed in flames. He carried the girl safely to the ground. The woman’s 8-month-old son was lowered to neighbors prior to Collins’ arrival.
He returned to the roof to rescue the mother and she told him two of her sons were still inside, so Collins entered the home prior to the fire department’s arrival.
“I couldn’t breathe or see,” he said.
The lack of oxygen forced Collins to exit the home and help the mother down from the roof.
The 2-year-old boy was pronounced dead at the scene due to smoke and soot inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning while the 3-year-old was transported to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for second and the third-degree burns and suffering from smoke inhalation.
At the ceremony organized by the 17th Police District Advisory Council, one to three officers were recognized by 17th District Capt. Anthony Washington who read a proclamation of the officers’ good deeds.
“Most of us do what we do for personal satisfaction and improving the life of the citizens,” he said refering to an officer’s motivation.
An officer of the month’s accomplishments ranged from having multiple arrests to a narcotic bust to arresting a man later charged for attempted murder.
Officer Mousa Hasan was one of two officers recognized twice. He was named an Officer of the Month in consecutive months for arresting two for firearm violations.
"Your instincts kick in," Hasan, who has spent his five years with the department in the 17th District, said of the job. "You don’t really think much. It’s all about catching the guy."
Being recognized for his work in both May and June, Hasan appreciates the uncommon honor.
"They always tell us it’s a thankless job," the North Philly native and Northeast resident said.
SPR
2010 17th District Officers of the Month
January: Officers Eric Acevedo and Sharone Johnson (Jan. 13 robbery arrest)
February: Officers Christopher Rubino and Anthony Anzideo (Feb. 1 aggravated assault, Feb. 15 homicide by vehicle and Feb. 17 murder arrests)
March: Officers Sydemy Joanis and Jonathan Garcia (narcotics arrest)
April: Officers Chanthorn Heng and Dennis Carey (April 10 attempted murder suspect arrest; "Landlord shoots tenant," April 15)
May: Officers Shawn Hagan, Mark Davis and Mousa Hasan (May 5 firearm violations arrest)
June: Officers Shawn Dobbins, Chris Lai and Mousa Hasan (June 23 firearm violations arrest)
July: Officer Alexander Branch (multiple arrests)
August: Officers Steven Olivieri and Joseph Marrero (Aug. 4 arrest)
September: Officers John Maha and John Madara (Sept. 2 robbery arrest; "Blade to the throat," Sept. 9)
October: Officers Anthony Mergiotti Shawn Hagan (Oct. 11 robbery and Oct. 30 narcotics arrests)
November: Officer Michael Collins (rescued two from burning building and entered building to attempt to rescue others)
December: Officers Lloyd Durham and James Lippi (Dec. 11 shooting arrest)
Contact Managing Editor Amanda L. Snyder at asnyder@southphillyreview.com or ext. 117.
Also in this week’s Police Report:
Held up by association
Mugged of store profits
Wounded ankle
One suspect identified
1st District gatherings
Heroic efforts recognized
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