Remembering David Collins: Honoring a Hero of the New Orleans Fire Department
NEW ORLEANS, LA — The city of New Orleans is united in grief following the passing of David Collins, a beloved and longtime member of the New Orleans Fire Department (NOFD). David passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, surrounded by family and loved ones. His death marks the end of an era for the department and a deeply personal loss for the many who knew and admired him.
A 21-year veteran of the NOFD, David served with pride and distinction as an Apparatus Operator, assigned to Station 24, 3rd Platoon. Over the course of his career, he became known not only for his technical skills and professionalism but also for his unwavering courage and the steady hand he brought to every emergency.
A Career Built on Courage and Commitment
David’s service to New Orleans was nothing short of exemplary. As an Apparatus Operator, he played a crucial role in the most urgent and dangerous moments of emergency response. Colleagues remember him as the kind of firefighter who could always be counted on—steady, focused, and fearless, no matter the circumstances. His deep knowledge of the job, paired with his level-headed nature, made him a reliable presence in high-stakes situations.
Station 24, like so many others across the city, now feels the absence of a man who brought strength, calm, and compassion to every shift. His fellow firefighters have described him as “the heart of the crew,” someone who had your back unconditionally, whether inside a burning structure or during quiet moments at the firehouse.
A Legacy of Kindness and Service
Though known for his bravery in the line of duty, David Collins also stood out for the way he lived outside of work. Friends and family speak of a man who loved deeply, listened intently, and gave generously. Whether volunteering at community events, mentoring younger firefighters, or spending cherished time with his family, David made every interaction count. His character was one of humility and quiet strength—qualities that earned him not just respect, but genuine love.
His death, though sudden, came peacefully and with his loved ones close by—a fitting reflection of the relationships he built through decades of selfless service.
An Outpouring of Tributes
In the wake of David’s passing, tributes have poured in from across the city. The New Orleans Fire Department released an official statement honoring his two decades of dedicated service, calling him a “pillar of the department and a true hero.” Flags have been lowered in honor of his life, and fellow firefighters have taken to social media and local news outlets to share memories, stories, and photos that capture the depth of his impact.
“David was more than a colleague—he was family,” one firefighter wrote. “He was the kind of man who made you better just by being around him. There’s a hole in Station 24 that will never be filled.”
A City Remembers
Though formal memorial plans are still being finalized, the community has already begun organizing ways to honor David’s life and legacy. Plans are in motion for a public memorial ceremony, where fellow firefighters, city officials, and community members will gather to pay tribute. A procession and honor guard are expected to accompany the service, a solemn gesture for a man who gave so much to the city he loved.
In addition, the department is working with David’s family to establish a scholarship or memorial fund in his name—an enduring tribute to his belief in mentorship and service.
A Hero Remembered
David Collins gave more than 21 years of his life to the people of New Orleans, answering calls in the darkest hours and standing firm in the face of danger. His story is one of quiet heroism, of a man who showed up every day not for accolades, but because he cared—about his city, his colleagues, and the countless strangers whose lives he touched without ever seeking recognition.
As New Orleans mourns this irreplaceable loss, it also celebrates the legacy of a true public servant. David Collins will live on in the lives he saved, the colleagues he trained, the community he protected, and the love he shared so freely.
Rest in peace, David. Your flame may have gone out, but your light will never fade. 🔥🖤