As steaks served to first responders, fallen officer Collins remembered
While about 30 Steaks for Sheepdogs volunteers worked the grills out front, the family of fallen Pine Bluff police officer Kevin Collins, who died Oct. 5 in the line of duty, gathered inside a small room at the Pine Bluff Police Department’s headquarters.
Usually a barbecue means fun, but this event had somber undertones.
Joe Wilson, Steaks for Sheepdogs president, said, “In 2016, there was a police shooting in Dallas.”
The Arkansas native was moved to action and formed Steaks for Sheepdogs, and he’s fed police, firefighters and EMTs and their families about 30,000 ribeye steaks since then.
Police officers are nicknamed sheepdogs because they watch over civilians, or their herd.
This past month alone, the group, which hails from different states, has fed first responders in five different cities — including two, Pine Bluff and Bentonville, in Arkansas.
Tears filled Dornetta Hobbs’ eyes Saturday as she said, “This means a great deal to us,” as one of Collins’ close friends, Laron Edwards, served Hobbs and her husband, Charles Hobbs, a huge steak.
“Words can’t express our gratitude,” Charles Hobbs added.
Dornetta Hobbs said about her son: “He loved people. He loved doing the right thing.”
Collins’ brother, Reginald Reed, and his sister, Brandi Reed, also felt honored by the meal.
“This makes us realize that he was loved and honored by the community,” Reginald Reed said of Collins.
Outside, Pine Bluff fire Capt. Juan Ventress was headed back to work after stopping by.
“His death was a terrible tragedy. This lets those who serve know that they are appreciated,” Ventress said.
Local businesses like FBT Bank & Mortgage and Simmons Bank made monetary donations, while others, like Simmons employee Donna Stacy, were happy to help.
“It was very important to me that I was here honoring the family,” Stacy said.
The White Hall Fresh Market provided the meat, and a group from Star City spent the afternoon grilling the steaks.
The nonprofit fed about 350 people Saturday afternoon.
Collins, a five-year veteran officer, was killed in a shootout Oct. 5 after responding to a call at the Econo Lodge motel.
Collins, 35, was a beloved member of the community and has been called “inspiring” by those who knew him. He was named Pine Bluff’s Officer of the Year in 2017, and he served on Mayor Shirley Washington’s security detail.