After three decades of dedicated service to the City of Monroe, Deputy Chief of Operations Greg Collins is hanging up his helmet for good—his retirement commences on May 1. Collins' journey with the department started in 1995, and his ladder to leadership included crucial roles such as Fire Engineer, Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief, and Division Chief of Training before culminating into his recent position in 2021, as stated by Monroe Fire Department.
In his tenure at Monroe Fire Department, Collins has been instrumental in bringing forth significant upgrades like modernizing firefighting equipment and playing a key role in the establishment of Fire Station 6, which contributed to faster emergency responses in the city's upper northwest, in addition he has helped the city attain an ISO Class 1 rating for fire insurance, according to the department's statement. Moreover, his crisis management skills were crucial during natural disasters as hurricanes and public health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, during these times leadership and experience counts not just for the public's safety but for the morale of the team facing the calamity head-on.
Reflecting on his journey, Collins remarked, "The most rewarding part of my career has been watching others grow and succeed," expressing his focus on communal success over individual accolades, and his dedication to enhancing the department's efficiency in his statement to the Monroe Fire Department. City Manager Mark Watson and Fire Chief Ron Fowler also applauded Collins' selfless service, Fowler emphasizing Collins' "personal integrity, professionalism and devotion to duty" in his statement, and Watson recognizing the long-term impact of Collins' efforts on the city's safety and operations.
With a professional repertoire that includes an Associate's Degree in Fire Protection Technology, a Bachelor's Degree in Fire and Emergency Services Administration, and participation in a variety of elite management and development programs, Collins' legacy is one bolstered by commitment and education, a legacy that future firefighters might look to, will strive to build on because leading by example often leaves long-standing impressions on those coming up in the ranks as they move to fill the boots left behind, a testament to Collins' impact on the department and the city at large.
