Deputy Chief Michael Collins was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York.  His parents, Philomena (nee Brody) and the late James, raised Chief Collins and his six brothers and two sisters in the shadow of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church in Sunset Park.

    Chief Collins' parents hail from County Clare.  His father James, came from Lisheen, Carrigaholt, while his mother came from Currakyle.  His parents are given the credit for instilling in Michael the strong values we recognize and admire today.

    Chief Collins joined the New York City Police Department in 1981, and was assigned to patrol the streets of Brooklyn.  His first assignment was the 70th Precinct in Flatbush.  He then moved to the 76th, 78th, and 71st Precincts, as he quickly rose through the ranks of the Department.  Collins was promoted to Sergeant in 1985 and to Lieutenant in 1989.  In 1992, he was promoted to Captain, and assigned to work in Manhattan.  In 1995, he was designated the Commanding Officer of the Manhattan South Task Force.

    In 1996, Chief Collins was selected to serve as the Commanding Officer of the NYPD press office, the Office of the Deputy Commissioner of Public Information.  While there, he was promoted to Deputy Inspector and Inspector.  In 1999, he was assigned to serve as the Executive Officer of Manhattan Detectives.  In July of 2001, he was promoted to Deputy Chief and reassigned to Patrol Borough Brooklyn South as its Executive Officer.  At the beginning of last year, Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly assigned Deputy Chief Collins to again command the DCPI Office.

    Chief Collins is a Magna cum Laude graduate of John Jay College of Criminal Justice, where he received both is Bachelor and Master of Arts Degrees in Criminal Justice.  In 1997, he attended the Police Management Institute of Columbia University.

      Chief Collins has been active in various Police Department associations, including the Emerald Society, Holy Name Society, and the Honor Legion.  He is also a member of a variety of other organizations, including the Knights of Columbus, the County Clare Association, and the Ancient Order of Hibernians.  Deputy Chief Collins has also coached basketball and soccer at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, and baseball for the 68th Precinct PAL.

      In 1997, he was appointed as an Aide to the Grand Marshal of the Bay Ridge Saint Patrick's Day Parade.  On March 17, 2002, Chief Collins led the 27th Annual Irish- American Parade in Park Slope, Brooklyn, after being named Grand Marshal by the parade committee.  In September of 2002, he was honored as the Grand Brehon of the Great Irish Fair in Coney Island.

    Michael is blessed with two sons, Michael (14) and James (13).

** FROM THE FOURTH ANNUAL DINNER DANCE JOURNAL. **