Six years ago this week, Sgt. Collin Rose — a 29-year-old K-9 handler for the Wayne State University Police Department (WSUPD) — was shot and killed while investigating vehicle thefts south of campus. He remains very much in the thoughts of his fellow officers.
Last week, the WSUPD gathered in its headquarters at the Collin Rose Leadership Library to unveil an honor chair meant to symbolize Rose’s empty seat and serve as a remembrance for generations to come.
WSUPD Assistant Chief Patrick Saunders learned about honor chairs for first responders who die in line of duty and immediately thought of Rose. He contacted former WSUPD officer Chris Powell, president of the Collin Rose Foundation, and asked if the organization would be willing to order a chair for Rose.
“Collin gave his life for the department and this university,” said Saunders. “We never want to see it happen again, and we should never forget it.”
Powell, now an officer in St. Clair Shores, was close friends with Rose.
“We honor him and his story in everything we do for the foundation,” said Powell. “We support other fallen officers. We just got done with a fundraiser for the Shelby Township officer who died on duty. We’re keeping Collin’s name alive through all of that.”
The Collin Rose Honor Chair is the 235th chair made by Tommy Cappell, executive director of Saving a Hero’s Place, since 2013. Cappell runs the Texas-based nonprofit with his wife, Robbie. It is only the second honor chair in Michigan.
The Collin Rose Leadership Library — located on the second floor of the department — was dedicated on April 1, 2021, Rose’s birthday.
WSUPD Chief Anthony Holt told those gathered, “Collin is someone we’ll never forget, not only because he was the first fatality we’ve had here, but we won’t forget him because of the type of work and the generosity he brought to this department. His legacy is something that will never be forgotten here. We really appreciate this outpouring of support.”
Rose is the only Wayne State officer to be killed in the line of duty.