Sean Collier: Policeman Killed By Boston Bombers Had "Heart Of Gold"

Impact

The police officer who was shot and killed in an altercation with the Boston bombing suspects  has been identified as Sean Collier, a 26-year-old man from Somerville, Massachusetts. The Huffington Post reports that before joining the police force, Collier worked as an information technology employee at the Somerville Police Department.

He also used to volunteer as an auxiliary police officer. He was truly dedicated to law enforcement. MIT Police Chief John DiFava told MIT news that "Sean was one of these guys who really looked at police work as a calling [...] He was born to be a police officer." DiFava also said that "it was remarkable how engaged he was with students, particularly graduate students." He said that the officer had an active presence on campus and loved to join students in skiing and hiking trips organized by the MIT Outing Club.

Collier was a dedicated worker and volunteer who had "a heart of gold," Lt. William Rymill of the Somerville Police Department told the Huffington Post.

MIT has posted a message of condolence on its website today and has canceled all classes:

"While the circumstances around the officer's death remain the subject of an active investigation, what is certain is that the officer gave his life to defend the peace of our campus. His sacrifice will never be forgotten by the Institute. We are thinking now of his family, and our hearts are heavy."

You can see the full statement here.

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