Video: Hundreds Attend Funeral For Fallen Officer

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FULTON, MISS. (WCBI) – Hundreds say goodbye to a veteran law enforcement officer, killed in the line of duty last Friday. Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Master Sergeant John Collum died when he was hit by a car while investigating reports of a prowler on John Rankin Highway. WCBI’s Allie Martin was at Collum’s funeral service and has more.

Master Sergeant John Collum is remembered by those who knew him as a man who had his priorities in the right order.

“If we started to meet somewhere, meet in town, whatever to start out day out, night or whatever, he would say, ‘I’ll be there in a minute, I need to go check on mom,’” said John Boy McFerrin, with the MDWFP.

Collum was a 15 year veteran of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. In 2012 he was named officer of the year for the southeast region. Those who worked alongside him said he deserved the honor.

“I remember calling John and congratulating him and his words to me were, ‘Well, Hoots, they must not have had much to pick from, what do you think?’ No, they picked the right man, they sure did,” said Dean Hudson, with MDWFP.

Along with his family and work, another passion of Collum’s was motorcycles.

He was a lifetime member of the “Iron Warriors” Motorcycle Club. Those who rode with him say Collum was a true friend and role model.

“Whatever he got involved in, he was in it wholeheartedly, that’s what this club is about, his family, God first, family , then this club and that’s the way John lived his life,” said Brad Taylor, of the “Iron Warriors.”

The message after an emotional service was, look forward, have a sure faith and look for ways to serve others.

Collum leaves behind a wife, two sons, four grandchildren and many friends and family.