Bill to Honor Sean Collier Coming Closer to Reality

Sean Collier's dream was to be a member of the Somerville Police Department. Though his life was taken from him just months from achieving that dream, Collier may still get his wish.

According to a report on MyFoxBoston.com, a bill has moved quickly through Massachusetts legislature that would posthumously honor the slain Massachusetts Institute of Technology officer by appointing him as a member of the Somerville Police Department.

Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone would make the appointment of Collier to the force if the bill passes, according to the report. MyFoxBoston.com reported that the Senate unanimously approved the bill on Thursday after the House did the same on Wednesday.

During a candle light vigil on Wilmington Town Common just days after Collier was allegedly shot and killed in April by the Boston Marathon bombing suspects, MIT Police Chief John DiFava told a massive crowd that Collier would have been sworn in as a full-time Somerville Police Officer on June 3.

"You have those few (cops) who were born to be police officers and Sean was one of those few," said DiFava. "Not only that but he was one of the few ... to display its finest qualities. In the 16 months he was with us, he left a legacy that no one will soon forget. He left us with an understanding of what it means to be an ideal police officer."

Somerville Deputy Police Chief Michael Cabral said in the days following Collier's death that the man who he considered a "second son" was an outstanding example of what law enforcement should be.

"Everything he did in his life, he did toward becoming a police officer," said Cabral.

Soon, Collier's dream may come true.