By Shannon Wright
“He was a man who loved his job, his family and his community.”
Those words, spoken by Webster Parish Sheriff Jason Parker at the funeral of Sgt. William “Billy” Earl Collins Jr., still carry weight nearly five years after the officer’s tragic death.
Parker also had to deliver the heartbreaking news to the public when Collins was killed in the line of duty. Anyone who heard that interview could hear the emotion in his voice. This was Doyline. A small town where something like this simply wasn’t supposed to happen.
But it did.
And it is something Parker says he will never forget.
“We continue to pray for the family and send our love, especially to his mom, Paula,” Parker said.
In hopes of honoring Collins’ ultimate sacrifice and showing continued respect to his family, Parker began working about a year ago to have a portion of the highway through Doyline named in the fallen officer’s memory.
“Hopefully this will bring some peace and comfort knowing that he is still missed and will never be forgotten.”
Parker initiated a conversation with State Rep. Wayne McMahen about what it would take to make the memorial a reality. McMahen explained the process, and the effort has been moving forward ever since.
On Monday, March 16, McMahen (R-District 10) introduced House Bill 965, which would designate a portion of Highway 163 running through Doyline as the Sergeant William “Billy” Earl Collins Jr. Memorial Highway.
Collins, who served both as a Doyline police officer and a Webster Parish Sheriff’s deputy, was shot and killed in the line of duty on Friday, July 9, 2021.
While Parker acknowledges that no memorial can truly make up for the loss, he hopes the road designation will serve as a lasting reminder of Collins’ sacrifice and the impact he had on his community.
Nothing can bring back a mother’s son, a daughter’s father, a wife’s husband, or a friend’s friend. But the memorial highway, Parker hopes, will stand as a symbol that Collins’ service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
If the Bill passes, Parker hopes the highway signs will be installed around the anniversary of Collins’ death this summer.
A community ceremony is planned to mark the occasion, with more details to be announced as the date approaches.