BRUNSWICK, Ga. – Family, friends and co-workers of police officer Melvin Collins will pay their last respects today to the man they consider a hero.
Collins was killed last weekend during an armed robbery at a convenience store where he was working an off-duty job.
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Collins was new to the force, having graduated from the police academy last month.
"It's a terrible tragedy that has happened, and it's a loss to the community," fellow Brunswick Officer Paul Lawrence.
Those who knew him say he was a generous person, who will be missed.
"Mel would give you the shirt off his back. He was just that's type of person. Super guy, and I only knew him -- what -- 10 weeks," police academy classmate Roger Dyals said.
Family members said the were thankful for the prayers and support they have received from the community and Collins' work family.
Police officers from surrounding counties joined mourners at a viewing Thursday evening.
Melvin will be laid to rest with full honors in services at 1 p.m. at the Buckingham Place Church of God in Brunswick. His number -- 430 -- will also be retired. He'll be buried at Greenwood Cemetery.
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