In the quiet borough of Fair Lawn, New Jersey, Mary Ann Collura, a 43-year-old female police officer, was a familiar and respected presence. A lifelong resident, she had realized her childhood dream of joining the police force, becoming the first woman to serve in the Fair Lawn Police Department. Over her 18-year career, she earned a reputation for being a dedicated and compassionate officer, known for her toughness and her immense heart.
On the evening of April 17, 2003, Officer Collura
responded to a call to assist the neighboring Clifton Police Department in a vehicle pursuit. The chase ended when the suspect's car crashed on the lawn of a church in Fair Lawn. As Collura and a Clifton officer, Steven Farrell, attempted to apprehend the driver, the situation took a tragic turn. The suspect, identified as Omar Marti, produced a handgun and opened fire. Officer Collura was struck by the gunfire and fatally wounded. Officer Farrell was also shot and seriously injured.
In the chaotic aftermath, Marti stole Officer Collura's patrol car and fled the scene, sparking an intense manhunt. The search for the suspect extended beyond New Jersey and ended three days later in Florida. In a final, violent confrontation, Omar Marti was killed in a shootout with deputies from the Hernando County and Sumter County Sheriff's Departments. Prior to being fatally shot by law enforcement, Marti had attempted to take his own life.
The death of Officer Mary Ann Collura sent shockwaves through the Fair Lawn community and beyond. She was remembered not only for her dedicated service and sacrifice but also for her numerous contributions to the town. She was an active member of the community, a certified firearms instructor, and a delegate to the New Jersey State Policemen's Benevolent Association. Her commitment to public safety was evident in initiatives like the Halloween safety program she started, providing glow sticks to children to make them more visible while trick-or-treating. Her loss was deeply felt by her family, friends, and the entire law enforcement community, leaving a void in the town she had sworn to protect.
