The Stamford community is grieving the loss of one its own.

Chris Collins, a Stamford resident, was one of the 67 people killed when an Army helicopter collided midair with American Airlines flight 5342 over the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. last week.

Collins was one of the most dedicated volunteers at Lucky Dog Refuge in Stamford, says CEO and co-founder Kirstin Mende.

Known for taking the dogs on adventures, Collins would often sit with them on a bench at nearby Harbor Pointe and watch the boats pass by.

"He was supposed to be here on Thursday," Mende says. "When we found out he wouldn't be coming back anymore, it was pure devastation for the staff and the volunteers."

Mende says the rescue is working on ways to properly honor Collins' legacy.

"To have that level of compassion, and to donate time the way he did coming here after long days of work," Mende says. "That’s a really special quality, and I hope that’s what he’s remembered for."

Gov. Ned Lamont and Stamford Mayor Caroline Simmons offered their condolences to Collins' family this past weekend.

He's survived by his wife.