Lieutenant James Schilling Receives Statewide Honor for Leading Manny Collins Investigation

ANOKA County, Minn. - The Anoka County Sheriff's Office has announced that James Schilling has been named Supervisor of the Year by the Minnesota Sheriffs' Association, an honor recognizing exceptional leadership, coordination, and service during one of the most extensive law enforcement operations in county history.

The award stems from Lieutenant Schilling’s leadership during the joint investigation into the disappearance of Manny Collins, a case that drew regional attention and ultimately led investigators to the Waste Management landfill in the City of Elk River. The landfill search marked an unprecedented mobilization for Anoka County, bringing together nearly 500 search personnel representing more than 40 local, state, and federal agencies.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, Lieutenant Schilling was responsible for managing the full scope of on site operations. His duties included coordinating hundreds of personnel, overseeing interagency collaboration, and directing the assembly, daily operation, maintenance, and final disassembly of a large scale command post and temporary campsite that supported the search effort. Officials described the operation as the largest coordinated search ever undertaken by Anoka County law enforcement.

The search required participation from personnel across all divisions of the Sheriff’s Office, as well as extensive support from partner agencies. Crews worked through physically demanding and emotionally difficult conditions, united by the shared goal of locating evidence and providing answers to Collins’ family.

Lieutenant Schilling and Anoka County Sheriff Brad Wise expressed deep appreciation for the extraordinary level of commitment shown by everyone involved. In a joint statement, they emphasized that without the collective effort, perseverance, and professionalism of those who responded, Collins’ family might still be waiting for clarity about his whereabouts.

Beyond the operational complexity, the Sheriff’s Office highlighted the spirit of cooperation and service that defined the search. Officials noted that participants not only showed up in large numbers, but did so with determination, compassion, and positive attitudes despite the gravity of the task.

The Minnesota Sheriffs' Association’s Supervisor of the Year award recognizes leaders who exemplify excellence in supervision, decision making, and dedication to public service. In honoring Lieutenant Schilling, the association also acknowledged the broader collaboration that made the operation possible.

The Anoka County Sheriff’s Office said the camaraderie and commitment demonstrated during the landfill search will not be forgotten by the department, Manny Collins’ family, or the greater community. The operation stands as a defining moment in county law enforcement history and a reminder of what coordinated public service can achieve in the pursuit of truth and accountability.

MinneapoliMedia