Officer Down Memorial Page

You were a TRUE American Hero Sir, Thank you for your service in the military as well as the police force Sir.

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)
February 15, 2012

Your heroism and service to your community as an law enforcement officer and to your country as a Vietnam veteran is honored today, the 40th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect and your memory will always be honored and revered. Thanks to Special Agent Beck for his moving reflection.

Rest In Peace

Phyllis Loya
Mom of fallen California Officer Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05
February 15, 2012

Ray:
I think about the terrible waste of your life. We were classmates in rookie school. After the shooting I was one of your friends who was assigned to sit in your hospital room and talk to you and to make sure that no more harm could be done to you. After your death your family asked that I be a pall bearer. No greater honor can be given to me. Rest in peace my friend.

Roger

Sergeant Roger F. Phillips (ret.)
United States Park Police
November 23, 2010

Ray

It's been 28 years since you passed and at times it seems like yesterday. I remember our times as patrol offices at the D-5 substation with great fondness. Your dedication to duty will be remembered by those of us who knew you well. God Bless

Bill Frazier, Captain (Retired)
U.S. Park Police
November 21, 2010

Officer Raymond Leonard Hawkins,

We in law enforcement are sworn to uphold the law. And when we do it is expected that we always act in a manner that is consistent with equity and fairness. Never are we permitted to act as the vicious trash that would enter a business place, produce a gun and threaten the lives of human beings striving to earn an honest living. When you suddenly encountered such a situation, Officer Hawkins, you acted consistent with all your training and even you attempted effect an arrest without firing your weapon, even though you would have been fully justified. That some scoundrel would inflict the wounds that would later take your life is yet another lesson to all of us who wear a badge that fairness is only a word. One who would produce a gun to rob another is unworthy of another breath, and, along with he that would conspire to aid such a robber, by taking the life of an officer treating them with disciplined restraint, should be introduced to the fires of hell. You are the model of courage, the ultimate standard of fairness and the truest respresentation of a soldier of the law.

Tonight, as many as would gaze into the darkened skies and see only stars, those of us who are law officers see a legion of heros standing shoulder-to-shoulder, whose badges shine brightly, welcomng yet another hero, Officer Raymond Leonard Hawkins, of the United States Park Police. Well done officer, ....well done.

Cpl. Ralph D. Fiorenza (Ret.)
Pennsylvania State Police
July 2, 2008

"The Badge"

He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.

He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.

Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.

He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whos blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.

His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.

He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.

And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.

But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.

Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.

Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.

So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.

In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.

Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.

Written By:
David L. Bell
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
March 27, 2008

Officer Hawkins,
On today, the 36th anniversary of your murder, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country-not just as a police officer but also for your service in Vietnam as well. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous
February 15, 2008

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE, YOU ARE A HERO JUST BY THE PROFESSION YOU CHOSE

VANDENBERGHE
MACHESTER, NH
February 10, 2008

Just minutes before Officer Hawkins was shot, he and I exchanged Christmas greetings inside the 7-ll. We also talked briefly about my becoming a police officer in PG County. Upon leaving the store, I saw the white/red Cadillac setting in the parking lot. Before I reached my home, there were already emergency vehicles responding, and I'd heard on my scanner about the hold-up and shooting of an officer. I called the dispatcher and gave them a description of the vehicle I'd spotted with three occupants inside. With the exception of the store manager and possibly the suspects, I was most likely the last person to speak with Officer Hawkins. One year later, and now a police officer, I was cruising along Pennsylvania Ave. when an APB was given for a white/blue Mustang with several occupants who were wanted for armed robbery in the District. I spotted the vehicle and took pursuit, calling for a backup since I was out of my jurisdiction. When I got the car stopped, it was determined that it was stolen, and was indeed the suspect vehicle. Two of the suspects in that car were involved in the hold-up and murder of Officer Hawkins the year prior. My deepest, most heart-felt respect is for Officer Hawkins and his courage and bravery on that fateful night in December 1971. My only wish would have been to be a police officer at that time, and to have been able to do something that might have saved his precious life. God bless him!

S/A Denny Beck
US-OPM
February 16, 2007

Rest in Peace

Explorer Chris Chappell
US Park Police
July 31, 2004

You truly are a legend with the United States Park Police. The top graduate from each and every Park Police class is titled "THE HAWKINS AWARD WINNER". Your name will ALWAYS live on with us and your story is that of a true hero. Both a Vietnam veteran and a heroic police officer. Thank you. Thank you for your service with both our military and our police force.

Private
United States Park Police

June 7, 2004