CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) — The Massachusetts Institute of Technology has established an award named after former campus police officer Sean Collier, who was allegedly slain by the Boston Marathon bombing suspects.
"This award will be given annually to an individual or group that embodies the character and qualities that Officer Collier exhibited as a member of the MIT community and in all aspects of his life," MIT Executive Vice President and Treasurer Israel Ruiz announced Monday.
"Future recipients of the award will include those whose contributions exceed the boundaries of their profession, those who have contributed to building bridges across the community, and those who consistently and selflessly perform acts of kindness," he said.
Collier was killed April 18, three days after the marathon explosions that killed three and injured more than 260, because the suspects needed a gun as they tried to evade police, authorities have said.
The first Collier Medal will be presented Feb. 25. Nominations will be accepted through Jan. 10.
Plans for a permanent memorial to Collier are also progressing, Ruiz said. A groundbreaking is planned for the anniversary of his death.
The school unveiled a temporary memorial to Collier last month.
Collier grew up in Wilmington and earned his law enforcement degree from Salem State University. He lived in Somerville and had accepted a job as a Somerville police officer before his death.
One bombing suspect was killed in a gunfight with police. His younger brother remains in custody, pending a trial.