The City of Liberty is pleased to honor Clifton Edward Collins, Jr. with the 2019 Missouri Municipal League Civic Leadership Award. Throughout his life he has been a humble servant and leader, leaning on his faith, family and selfless character as his guide.
Before settling in Liberty, his self-proclaimed hometown, Collins served our country for 10 years in the U.S. Air Force attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant.
Collins provided leadership and mentorship in the City of Liberty for more than 50 years. Officer Collins began his service with the City of Liberty in 1962 as the last foot Patrolman and the first Animal Control Officer for the Liberty Police Department. Through his commitment to the principles of law enforcement he rose through the ranks and was appointed Chief of Police in 1970 and served in that position for 22 years until his retirement in 1992.
He then embarked on a new career path as an elected official. Councilman Collins was elected to the Liberty City Council beginning in 1993 and continued to serve our citizens and lead our community for three terms over the next 12 years.
Collins has been a valuable asset to the community, through his dedication to public service, his compassion for the citizens of Liberty and his involvement in philanthropic and professional organizations. Evidences of his impact on our community are reflected in some of the honors bestowed upon him including the Sertoma Service to Mankind Award, William Jewell College Outstanding Liberty Citizen Award, Fellowship of the Concerned Community Service Award and the Liberty Martin Luther King Outstanding Public Service Award.