Sergeant Tom K. Collins November 12, 1939 – October 25, 1975 Sergeant Tom Collins, a 4 ½ -year veteran, died when the helicopter he was piloting crashed into the Santa Clara riverbed. Tom started the helicopter unit for the department in 1971. Prior to working for our department, he flew helicopters for the Navy. As a Naval Lieutenant, Tom was the youngest commissioned officer at that time. #sheriffvc