UPPER DARBY -- The long and arduous wait is over. The body of a volunteer firefighter missing since Friday in the Atlantic Ocean’s riptides was found Tuesday and identified Wednesday.
Kevin "Boltz" Collins, 25, of Upper Darby, a seven-year volunteer firefighter and engine lieutenant with Highland Park Fire Company No. 26, was last seen at Hereford’s Inlet on First and Surf avenues in North Wildwood.
Police from North Wildwood responded at 4:02 p.m. for a report of Collins’ attempt to swim to the sandbar in the inlet before disappearing in the rough waves.
Township and area firefighters had kept a vigil at the station house waiting for word since Collins was reported missing and gathered Sunday night -- 200 strong -- for support, a prayer service and to reminisce.
Chief John Raech called Collins’ death a tragic loss.
According to Raech, Collins was representing Highland Park as a delegate at the New Jersey State Firemen’s Convention last weekend at the Wildwood Convention Center.
Witnesses told Raech Collins was standing in knee-high water, talking to two deep-water rescue firefighters from another department, about whether he should go for a swim in the turbulent ocean.
"Kevin said, ‘I’ll go,’ and just ran in," Raech said. "It was just his way." Raech also disputed claims that Collins was under the influence. "Kevin wasn’t a drinker,’’ he said. ‘‘The water just picked him up and took him."
The chief, who did not attend the convention, said he immediately went to the shore after receiving a call from Kevin’s brother, assistant chief Kenny Collins.
"Kenny’s a Darby cop," Raech said. "He got the call Friday from one of the guys on the beach and they took him down in a police car. I brought Kenny home Saturday afternoon. He has unbelievable strength. I don’t know where he gets it."
Raech, 37, who has been with Highland Park20 years and chief for the last three, remembered when Collins joined seven years ago.
"His brother, Kenny, brought him in as a rookie firefighter," Raech said. "Kevin was reluctant at first, but once he joined he embraced it and fell in love with it. Ever since he’s become an icon and a leader."
Raech said Kevin was one of core group of about 10 volunteers who joined when they were in their late teens.
"It’s a tight-knit group," Raech said. "He’s the leader of the group. He’s been an unbelievable asset to us and a role model."
Raech credited Collins with bolstering the weekend manpower with the group.
"They were just there on the weekend," Raech said. "And Kevin had a lot to do with that."
Raech added that many volunteers participated in the county’s "ride along" program at Highland Park and stayed overnight at the station, which was nicknamed ‘‘The Highland Hilton.’’
"Most guys, when they’re 21, hang out at bars," Raech said. "These guys were at the firehouse. It’s what they were all about. They provided an unparalleled service to the people of Highland Park. We would pull out of the station with three trucks within a minute. That was the level of commitment they had."
Collins, who was single, worked at an electric supply company and was a paid relief firefighter at Highland Park.
Upper Darby Township Deputy Chief John Hicks, 54, a member of Highland Park for 37 years, remembered Collins, nicknamed "Boltz," because of the numerous and assorted vehicles he was always repairing.
A memory board, with hand-written memories of Collins and his sense of humor and achievements, is on display on a wall at the fire station. It hangs over a bench upon which rests Collins’ gear and smoke-stained and heat-singed helmet.
"The support from firefighters from throughout the county and beyond has been overwhelming," said Raech, who expressed his gratitude to the brotherhood of firefighters for their "unwavering support."
A service for Collins is scheduled for Sunday evening at the Donohue Funeral Home, West Chester Pike and Lynn Boulevard.
Burial will be Monday.
