Police Officer Errol C. Hawkins Phoenix Police Department Arizona Tuesday, April 24, 1984  Leave a Reflection  Return to Memorial  Print This Page  Continue Building Book  Page: 1 of 22 of 2

Rusty and his family were and still are my next door neighbors. His daughter and I have been best friends since we were 5, he passed away when we were 8yrs old. I don't remember many things, but Rusty, I remember you. Yesterday was your plaque dedication and it was a beautiful day. I know you know how brave, courageous and beautiful your family is, know too that they are cherished by their friends. After reading all of the entries, it's clear to see the affect you still have on so many. You left quite an amazing legacy and are remembered and thought of constantly. Jenny

Jenny James
Friend
2009-10-07

Without question, The Phoenix Police Department's successful Negotiation program,is due in part,to men like Rusty. Rusty's innovative and far reaching vision, coupled with his developmental skills, made for a very successful program. Rusty worked closely with the FBI's Hostage Negotiation Unit, Tony Oldham, Roger Browning, and as an instructor in Negotiation techniques.One Arizona Republic reporter described Rusty,as written in his artical, as the negotiator with "cat like feet".

Perry Mentzer (Sgt. Retired)
Phoenix Police Department
2009-10-04

I first met Rusty when we were both walking beats in the Duece. I was struck by his humor, dedication and generosity. We later worked together on SEU/SAU from 1977 to 1983. I remember how he could make me laugh and his willingness to take on any job. I remember his patience as a negotiator. He would talk for days rather than risk ANYONE getting hurt....including the suspect. He taught me much about compassion. I also remember long night surveillances followed by beer and bonfires. I remember water sking at the lake, golf before work and trying to fix his old ratty Ford in the driveway. I remember some practical jokes that are better left unexplained here. He was my friend and even more important a partner in a close knit, elite group that I had not experience before or since. I miss him dearly.

Robert U. Cropper #2049
Phx PD - Retired
2009-10-04

I first met Rusty in September 1983, while I was waiting to go through our Police Academy. At that time I was working at the front desk of our General Investigations Bureau. Rusty was very encouraging about my becoming an officer and he also became a mentor to me.

Rusty was always such a positive and kind person, that I will never forget!

Ret. Detective Sandra Gatlin #4380
Phoenix Police Department
2009-10-01

I remember what a great officer you were and a nice person. You are missed.

Francesca Anatra (retired)
Phoenix Police Department
2009-10-01

Rusty: I still think of you often. I was telling a friend about your "You pick it you drink it" Parties. I still don't know where you came up with some of that stuff you called beer. Your dedication to duty and drive to get the job done right was something that I tried to emulate as a negotiator with SAU. Know that you made a lasting contrabution to the Phoenix Police Department.
Rest in peace my friend.

Andy Baxter 2038 (Ret.)

Andy Baxter Det. (ret)
Phx. PD
2009-09-30

IT WAS A SAD DAY FOR US ALL WHEN RUSTY WAS KILLED. I HOPE HIS FAMILY HAS BEEN ABLE TO GO ON AND IS CHERISHING HIS MEMORY. GOD BLESS TOM GIGLIO 2462 / R0921 PHX PD

TOM GIGLIO DETECTIVE
PHOENIX PD
2009-09-30

Rusty,
You were a good man, with a kind heart and a mischievous grin. You are missed by co-workers and friends alike.
God must have needed another guardian angel when he took you.

Cave and Nancy Golding
Phoenix Police Department
2009-09-30

I first met Rusty in 1979 when I was a young impressionable new student at Phoenix College. Rusty took to the time to befriend me and encouage me in my pursuit of a law enforcement career with the Phoenix Police Department. He is one of he nicer officers I had met at that time, he took the time to share with me his enphusiasm for the job and his interest in helping others. Once joining the Phoenix Police Department, I realized the important role Rusty played in our Special Assignments Unit (SWAT). He was a true professional who could talk any distressed our bad guy into giving up. He never forgot us rookie officers, always talking to us and sharing his experience with us. He was one of those officers we wanted to be like, a great role model that many of us will always be indebted to and never forget. I know God has blessed you Rusty for the man you are.

Commander Joe Klima
Phoenix Police Department
2009-09-29

I first met "Rusty" in 1974 at the Phoenix Boys Club of America. He spent his personal time to mentor me and several of my childhood friends who came from lower income communities. He not only shared time with us at the Boys Club, but often took the time to take us to the lake and share his boat. I recall him teaching us to ski...this was the best time ever. Rusty was alway very respectful and looked at the good in all of us kids. He made you feel like you were very special no matter where you came from. I remember asking Rusty if I could become a Police Officer like him. He smiled and looked square into my eyes and said,"Yes you can and I will help you."

I worked at Police Headquarters for nine years and each day I would see my friend's photo. The photo reminded me of a special angel sent by God to make a difference in one boy's life. I no longer work at Police Headquarters and miss seeing my friend's photo. As I approach the end of my 30 plus year career. I hope that I too have served the community well as my friend Rusty did. I will never forget my friend and will always appreciate that he belived in me. God Bless you "Rusty" and your family. Sergeant Pete Ramos

Sergeant
Childhood Friend
2009-09-29

You will never be forgotten. I did not get to know you in this life but I am sure I will in the next one. Rest easy, Sir.

AZ Narc

2009-04-10

Rusty and I served together and I just want to say my good byes which I did not get to do in 1984. To his family I would like to say you had one hell of a dad and husband. I miss him.

ATN2 Risk VF24
friend and fellow shipmate
2009-04-02

Officer Hawkins,
On today, the 24th anniversary of your death, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for the ctizens of Phoenix. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

R.I.P.
Anonymous

Anonymous

2008-04-24

Hi Dad,
Thinking of you today and always. Thank you for the beautiful rainbow you sent on my wedding day, I knew you'd be there. :) Continue to send the signs.. Jeff and I love them!

Love,
Jill Hawkins Johnson (I kept the Hawkins for you!)

2008-02-28

One day we will meet again in Gods kingdom along with all our brothers and sisters who have preceded us and those who have joined you since your departure from our ranks here in Phoenix. You have served our department and Gods children here with honor, dignity and integrity. It will be a privilege to be reunited when God calls, until them brother rest in peace and keep up serving in Gods kingdom.
Tom Bradley, Arizona State Chaplain FOP

Tom Bradley, Retired
Phoenix AZ PD
2007-11-26

"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 © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
2007-11-14

Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer

2007-04-18

Rest in Peace, Officer Hawkins. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

2007-03-15

Thank you for everything. Requiescat In Pace, Officer.

anonymous

2006-12-10

I served with Rusty in Vietnam, he was friend and hero.

Phillip Sheckler
none
2005-12-17

Brother Hawkins,

May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be always at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And the rains fall soft upon your fields,
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Respectfully,
You’re Brothers in Blue

Untouchables LE Motorcycle Club

2005-12-14

To the family and friends of Officer Errol Hawkins and his fellow officers, and most especially to Officer Errol Hawkins:

In reading the reflections about Officer Hawkins, it is obvious he was a much loved and well-respected man, one who truly deserves the title hero. I wish I had the honor to have met him, but the essence of him lives on through the memories so lovingly recounted in the reflections left by his children.

On behalf of our entire family, we extend our sincerest condolences for the grievous loss you suffered when he was tragically killed twenty-one years ago. His valor and dedication are not forgotten.

This reflection is sent with the utmost respect for the distinquished service Officer Hawkins gave to his community, and for the supreme sacrifice he and his family made on April 24, 2004.

Phyllis Loya, mother of fallen officer
Larry Lasater, Pittsburg PD, eow 4/24/05

2005-11-01

Every day I wake up and think of my Dad, and every day I am proud of the work he did. I will forever miss him and am thankful for the memories that live in my heart. To all of the other families, keep their memories alive by celebrating their lives. Thank you so much to programs like the 100 Club. Be Safe and God Bless.

Jill Hawkins

2004-09-01

Officer Hawkins,

Rest in Peace my Brother......Never forgotten....

Officer
NC
2004-04-18

"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me.'"

-Isaiah 6:8

a Minnesota Cop

2004-02-23