A man who made Jeffersonville history when he became the city's first African American fire chief in 1984 will be laid to rest tomorrow, leaving a legacy of strong character and hard work which will continue to resonate in the community.
Ronald "Ronnie" A. Collins, born June 5, 1944, died Friday at his home after losing his battle with leukemia; he was 75 years old. He is survived by his wife, JoAnn Collins, six children and many other family members and friends.
Collins graduated Jeffersonville High School in 1964 before going on to serve in the Army Reserve. He worked at General Electric prior to starting with the Jeffersonville Fire Department in 1969 — a community service role he would hold for the next 25 years.
His children described Collins as a hard worker, a busy man with a sense of humor and a love for his family and community, a no-nonsense man with a strong grasp on the difference between right and wrong.