Michael Adrian Collazo

Dedicated Law Enforcement Officer | Marine Corps Veteran | Speaker

Michael Adrian Collazo was born on April 17, 1991, in Nashville, Tennessee, and has spent his entire life in Middle Tennessee. His parents, Sharon and Reynaldo, instilled in him strong values and a deep sense of service. Sharon hails from Knoxville, Tennessee, while Reynaldo is originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico. Michael has an older brother, Rey Carlos, and a half-sister, Dianna.

After high school, Michael met his wife, Cassie, and they married in 2015. Together, they are proud parents of two daughters, Everleigh Jean and Leonna Jane.

Michael’s passion for making a difference led him to enlist in the Marine Corps, where he served for eight years while earning his college degree. Following his military service, he pursued a career in law enforcement, joining the Nashville Police Department and attending the Police Academy.

After graduating, he started as a patrol officer before transitioning to specialized units:

• Flex Team: A proactive, uniformed unit focused on crime prevention (3 years)

• Crime Suppression Unit: Investigating street-level narcotics cases with a specialized team

• Field Intelligence Unit: Handling complex, long-term investigations

A Defining Moment

On March 27, 2023, Michael found himself in a situation that would forever shape his life and career. A lone gunman entered The Covenant School in Nashville, tragically taking the lives of six individuals. As one of the first responders on the scene, Michael and his small team swiftly entered the building to neutralize the threat. Their actions that day not only saved lives but also underscored the critical role of law enforcement in moments of crisis.

Today, Michael is committed to sharing his experiences, insights, and lessons learned in the line of duty. His story is one of courage, resilience, and dedication to service—a testament to the unwavering commitment of those who put their lives on the line to protect others.