Congressman Presents Collura Family with American Flag

Rep. Scott Garrett honored the memory of fallen Fair Lawn police officer Mary Ann Collura at Tuesday's council meeting by presenting her sisters with an American flag flown at the United States Capitol on the 10th anniversary of her murder.

"I did not know your sister, but talking to people that did I know that she was a special person, a well-respected person, that she was the first female person here on the force," Garrett said. "I also know that this was something of a lifelong dream, if you will, to be able to be part of the men in blue behind me. And she did so with dedication, determination and conviction."

Garrett was unable to attend Officer Collura's 10th Anniversary memorial ceremony on April 17 due to congressional obligations, but said her sacrifice had been on his mind.

He called it an honor and a privilege to be able to present Collura's sisters, Patricia Snyder and Linda Hughes, with the flag flown at the Capitol in her honor on April 17.

Collura, an 18-year Fair Lawn Police Department veteran, was fatally shot four times above and below her bullet proof vest while attempting to arrest a suspect on the rear lawn of the Van Riper Ellis Broadway Baptist Church on River Road on April 17, 2003.

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