Lt. Andy Collins Concludes TWRA Career of Dedicated Service

TWRA Region IV Lt. Andy Colins has officially retired, concluding an impressive career that spanned more than three decades with the Agency. Andy began his career with TWRA in March 1993. His first assignment was in Hawkins County before transferring to Loudon County in 1995, where he served as the county’s wildlife officer for 11 years. During this time, Andy earned multiple recognitions for excellence in service, including Area 42 Wildlife Officer of the Year Region IV Wildlife Officer of the Year, and Hunter Education Instructor of the Year

In 2006, Andy was promoted to Area 42 Assistant Area Supervisor. Following the reorganization of the TWRA Law Enforcement Division, he transitioned into the role of District 41 lieutenant, where he has supervised officers and operations across multiple counties and helped guide the next generation of conservation law enforcement professionals.

During his career, he contributed extensively to specialized enforcement and training efforts. He served as a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) BUI Instructor, a Governor’s Highway Safety Office DUI Instructor and was TWRA’s first and only certified Drug Recognition Expert (DRE), bringing advanced impairment‑detection expertise to conservation law enforcement

Among the most meaningful highlights of his career was the creation of TWRA’s Pink Patch Project. Through the sale of commemorative pink patches and hats, the initiative raised more than $25,000 for Casting for Recovery, an organization providing therapeutic fly‑fishing retreats for women undergoing treatment for, or recovering from, breast cancer. All proceeds were donated directly to support these life‑changing programs.

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