A ‘93 graduate of West Limestone High School and 2011 graduate of the Calhoun Community College paramedic program, Tonya Collins of Athens, Alabama, was born to serve. Among others, Tonya worked for Lauderdale EMS, First Response, Decatur EMS, Shoals Ambulance, First Response Ambulance-Decatur.
I first became acquainted with Tonya when I was working as a police officer in Rogersville, Alabama, and she was a paramedic for Lauderdale EMS. Tonya was one of those, that if there was accident, you wanted her there. She was a very dedicated, caring, and conscientious first responder.
After being diagnosed with cancer herself, Tonya immersed herself in charitable organizations like Team Blue Butterflies. Tonya’s cancer battle came to an end today. Tonya was a brave cancer warrior and an encouragement and inspiration to so many. Our condolences to Tonya’s family. She will be missed. Tonya Collins was 45 years old.