His Death Was Just Days Before This: Honoring His Son, A Reserve Deputy’s Legacy

February 28, 2025

This is the story of Reserve Deputy Mark Alan Whitehead, a man who gave his life serving his community, and his father, Jim Whitehead, who turned unimaginable loss into a mission of remembrance and purpose. Losing someone you love is one of life’s hardest trials, but when that loss comes in the line of duty, it carries an extra layer of weight, a mix of personal grief and public sacrifice. It’s a tale of heartbreak, resilience, and a legacy that continues to inspire.

A Night That Changed Everything

Jim was a guest and tells the story on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast, which is available for free on their website, in addition to Apple Podcasts, Spotify and many major podcast platforms.

On February 26, 1993, Mark Alan Whitehead and Reserve Sergeant Scott Collins were patrolling Interstate 84 near 181st Street in Multnomah County, Oregon. It was a routine night—until it wasn’t. A drunk driver, barreling down the highway at 105 mph, lost control. His car went airborne and crashed into the deputies’ patrol vehicle. The collision was devastating, claiming the lives of Mark, Scott, and the driver in an instant.

Mark had been a Reserve Deputy for just 18 months; Scott had served for five years. Their deaths were a historic tragedy, the first time Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Reserve Deputies had been killed in the line of duty. The loss rippled through their families, their fellow officers, and the community they swore to protect.

Turning Grief into Purpose

For Jim Whitehead, Mark’s father, the news of his son’s death was shattering. Losing a child defies comprehension, but Jim refused to let his pain define him. Instead, he channeled it into action. He joined Oregon Concerns of Police Survivors (C.O.P.S.), an organization that supports families of fallen officers through their grief. Through his involvement, Jim became a pillar of strength, offering solace to others while keeping his son’s memory alive.

Jim’s mission went beyond his own loss. He dedicated himself to honoring every officer who made the ultimate sacrifice, reminding us that behind each badge is a human story, a life filled with love, hope, and dreams cut tragically short.

A Lasting Tribute

Though the pain of losing Mark never dulled, Jim found comfort in ensuring his son’s name endured. In 2014, more than 20 years after that fateful night, a roadside memorial was placed along I-84 near the Fairview Parkway exit. This tribute, brought to life through the collaboration of the Sheriff’s Office, the Whitehead and Collins families, and state lawmakers, stands as a quiet, powerful testament to their sacrifice.

Each year, during National Police Week, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office hosts a ceremony to honor its fallen heroes. It’s a moment to pause, reflect, and give thanks. The names of 11 officers, including Mark and Scott, are etched into a plaque outside the Sheriff’s Office—a permanent reminder of their courage and commitment.

A Broader Battle

The deaths of Mark and Scott highlight a persistent national crisis: drunk driving. Every year, nearly 10,000 people die in alcohol-related crashes in the U.S. While tougher laws and awareness campaigns have cut these numbers by over a third in recent decades, the problem persists. In Oregon, DUI citations have dropped since the mid-1990s, but even one preventable death is too many. Jim Whitehead never stopped pushing for safer roads and stronger protections, believing that honoring the fallen also means safeguarding the living.

Keeping the Story Alive

Jim’s dedication to his son’s legacy was unwavering. He shared Mark’s story through every avenue he could, public speaking, social media, and even an appearance on the *Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast*. That platform gave him a chance to connect with a wider audience, shedding light on the sacrifices of law enforcement families and the challenges they face.

Tragically, Jim passed away on February 25, 2025, just a few days before a special episode of the show, dedicated to his journey, was set to air. His loss is profound, but his impact endures in the lives he touched and the awareness he raised.

A Legacy That Lives On

Mark Alan Whitehead and Scott Collins gave everything to serve their community. Their story reminds us of the risks law enforcement officers face daily, and the families who carry on in their absence. By sharing their legacy, supporting their loved ones, and working to prevent future tragedies, we keep their sacrifice meaningful.

So today, I ask you to take a moment. Honor those who’ve served and fallen. Whether it’s supporting police families, advocating for safer roads, or simply remembering their names, we all have a role to play. Behind every badge is a story worth telling, and behind every fallen officer is a family that still loves, remembers, and cherishes their hero. Let’s ensure those stories, and those legacies, live on.