Lt. Collin Christopher Veasley was born April 9, 1973. He is survived by his wife and accomplice of 19 years, René Barker Schoolar; children, Lauren-Ashley Patterson (Adam Patterson), Bentley Phillips (Amanda Phillips), Grant Schoolar, and Harrison Schoolar; and fur babies, Lincoln, Eisla, and Otto.

Collin started as a volunteer firefighter with the City of McDonough in 1991. He joined the Clayton County Fire Department in 1996 and dedicated the last 25 years to serving the deranged and delinquent. His list of certifications and awards is long but distinguished, including multiple trauma lifesaving and medical lifesaving awards, a unit citation award, and a distinguished service award.

His dedication to health and public safety exceeded the fire department, as he also worked as a paramedic for Atlanta South EMS, Grady EMS, Rescue Air 1, Atlanta Medical Center, Southern Regional, Coweta, and Clayton County Detention Centers, and the track safety and infield care at Atlanta Motor Speedway.

Collin was a member of Clayton County’s Tactical Medic Program. He became a POST instructor and was instrumental in developing a weeklong officer down program that was adopted by Clayton County Police Department. He was also a part of the U.S. Marshals Southeastern Fugitive Task Force located in Atlanta, Georgia, going on all warrants as medical oversight for the team. Collin was one of only five medics who served in this capacity nationwide.

While many who knew him through the fire department referred to him as “L.T.” for his rank, others knew him as Captain, a title he earned when he traded in his Harley-Davidson for sailing lessons. It is rumored he had an escape plan to outrun his woman and woes but realized a motorcycle would only take him so far away. A boat was required.

His time with us was too brief, but he lived and loved enough for two lifetimes and went through as many kidneys in the process. His first kidney was given by Clayton County Battalion Chief Dennis Worsham in 1999, and he rode it ‘til the wheels fell off. His longtime friend and colleague Flo Sheain gave Collin his second kidney in 2020, giving him two more years of adventure with his beloved, largely dysfunctional “framily.”

He will be remembered for his infectious laugh, unmatched culinary skills, love of four-letter words, and mischievous mind.

Collin passed where he lived, peacefully abreast his wife and surrounded by those most responsible for his receding hairline, gray beard, and diminished patience, on March 5, 2022.