Irving Police Department, Texas
End of Watch Sunday, December 24, 2000
Reflections for Police Officer Aubrey Wright Hawkins
God Bless Aubrey Hawkins and his family. You are in my prayers.
Sgt. Richard Taylor
mendocino county sheriff dept.
August 10, 2008
This is copied from an E-Mail sent to TMPA.
"July 9, 2008
Chris,
My name is Lori Hawkins-Acosta. I am the widow of Irving Officer Aubrey Hawkins. He was killed in the line of duty Christmas Eve, 2000. At the time of his death, he was an active member of TMPA.
I'm sure yourself and organization are aware that the remaining so called "Texas 7" were all convicted and sentenced to death. In the recent months, one of the "criminals," Michael Rodriguez, requested an early execution. That request was signed by a district judge in Dallas County and an execution date has been set for next month, August 14, 2008 at 6:00pm in Huntsville.
I would greatly appreciate your help in notifying all TMPA members... Aubrey would want them to be aware. Any and all support during this time of justice would be greatly appreciated. I am asking that any officer available on the above date and time make their presence known in uniform at the Huntsville prison in honor of Aubrey.
In my opinion , and I know it would be Aubrey's as well, this is the first step towards final justice. Feel free to pass this message and my email address on to any officer intrested in the execution.
Sincerely,
Lori Hawkins-Acosta
Brothers and Sisters in Blue are always in my thoughts and prayers!"
Three other officers from my department and I will be there to see a cop killer executed. I hope there are more cops than can be counted there. Rest in peace Officer Hawkins.
Detective Robert Powers #6S22
Santa Fe Police Department
Santa Fe, TX
Detective Robert Powers
Santa Fe, TX Police Department
August 2, 2008
My own father passed away on October 18, 2007. He grew up in Ft. Smith, AR and his first cousin was this officer's grandfather, Wright Hawkins. When our family heard about this news, we were absolutely heartbroken to learn that this officer was a distant cousin.
Aubrey's grandfather and my father grew up together in an innocent time and in a place where crime was rare. Such a sacrifice this officer made, but he will always be remembered and I believe he is now in Heaven with God. There are no words to describe what this officer gave up to try and make this world a better place. Aubrey was his name and though I never personally knew him, I love him for the sacrifice he made for his country, state and county.
The Hawkins were and are wonderful people and their personal faith and calling to God, country and community will prevail.
Cousin
April 24, 2008
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, REST IN PEACE.
N.J. TROOPER
NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE
March 6, 2008
Lori -
Every Christmas Eve I think of Aubrey, I think of how John would talk about him after his death and how greatful I was that Aubrey and John were such good friend.
When John was murdered, the first person I though of was you... never could I have imagined the whirlwind of emotions that you had gone through until I felt them. I know John and Aubrey are looking down on us, so proud of our strength.
My son Jordan Aubrey asked me once if he was named after his daddy's brother.... I paused and smiled as I answered, "They were great friends and close as brothers". He knows that they are in heaven together.
Michelle & Boys
Michelle
John's widow
February 24, 2008
Thankyou for you service and sacrifice OFFICER HAWKINS. You are a true hero to us all and will never be forgotten
POLICE OFFICER
PHILA PA
February 20, 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 © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission
Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC
February 14, 2008
On Christmas Eve I took a moment to remember Aubrey and the sacrifice he made. We will never forget him. I retired from the Irving PD in 2004 and enjoyed 2 1/2 years off... cowboyed on several ranches, hauled cattle and in September 2006 I took a job I'd wanted for a long time. I now work as a special ranger with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. I cover 8 counties in central Texas. We are commissioned by the Texas Department of Public Safety and it has allowed me to do what I enjoy most... law enforcement.
I've said all that to say this. No matter where I go, from sheriff's office to highway patrol office to local PD, when I tell folks I retired from Irving PD someone will always ask about Aubrey. And I always tell them the same thing. He was a good officer, well thought of and had a gentle spirit.
May God continue to bless his family.
Special Ranger Doug Hutchison
Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association
December 27, 2007
Aubrey, I was working in the Jail that night, and will never forget that day. Every year on December 24th, I proudly dress in my uniform (working that day or not) and visit the beautiful memorial behind the old Oshmans, to pay my respects and to leave a yellow rose in your memory. I know you are watching over us and you help guide us in the right direction. You are with me every shift. Thank you for being the Hero you are. I always tell my children that they will always have a special Angel looking over them; protecting them where ever they go. Thank you for your friendship and dedication. Love always - Cpl Williams
Cpl Anthony Williams
TPD / Former Irving Jailer/Officer
December 27, 2007
LORI
I WORKED WITH AUBREY FOR SEVERAL YEARS AT HUTCHINS PD.AUBREY LIVED AND LOVED POLICE WORK,HE RODE WITH ME MANY GRAVEYARD SHIFTS BECAUSE HE SAID" WE ALWAYS GOT INTO SOMETHING" AUBREY WAS A SPECIAL PERSON,HE WAS OONE OF THE BEST DISPATCHERS I EVER WORKED WITH,AUBREY PROTECTED HIS OFFICERS ON THE STREET IN ANYWAY HE COULD,YOU NEVER HAD TO ASK FOR A BACKUP BECAUSE AUBREY WOULD ALWAYS HAVE ONE COMING TO ASSIST YOU.
I MISS THE NIGHTS HE RODE WITH ME AND HEARING A YOPUNG MAN TELL HOW IMPORTANT LAW ENFORCEMENT MENT TO HIM,HE ALWAYS TOLD HOW MUCH HE LOVED YOU AND HOW SUPPORTIVE YOU WERE IN HIS DREAMS OF BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER.WE NOT ONLY LOST AN OFFICER BUT WE LOST A GENTLEMAN . AUBREY ALWAYS ACTED PROFFESIONAL WHETEHER HE WAS IN DISPATCH OR ON THE STREETS.LORI I MISS HIM ALOT AND THINK OF YOU AND HIM OFTEN EVEN THOUGH I HAD MOVED FORM THE DALLAS AREA I ALWAYS TOLD OF MY BUDDY AUBREY.GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR AND HIS FAMILY AND REMEMBER AUBREY AS LEAVING US DOING WHAT HE ALWAYS WANTED TO DO.
LOVE YOU ALL
HOWAR EVANS NPD RETIRED
retired oficer howard evans
worked with Aubrey at hutchuins pd
December 27, 2007
You are not forgotten. God bless
Cpl. K McGee
MPD, Tx
December 25, 2007
I have never espoused "hate." However, if there was ever a group that I have come the most closely to hating, it would have to be the "Texas 7."
Officer Hawkins:
May You Rest - In - Peace.
Maj M. B. Parlor
USMC / LAPD
December 24, 2007
Officer Hawkins,
Today is the seventh anniversary of your EOW, and citizens are thinking of your loved ones and friends, as they continue to remember the man you were and what you stood for. You are forever a hero.
Pennsylvania citizen
December 24, 2007
It is said often, but know that Officer Hawkins is remembered.
Master Trooper (retired)
Virginia State Police
December 24, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family on this anniversary.
Former N.H. Police Officer
Fauquier County, VA
December 24, 2007
It does not seem like it's been seven years. I think of you often. Rest in peace, Sir.
AZ narc
December 24, 2007
It's hard to believe that it's been almost 7 years! That night will forever remain in my mind.
Your thoughts and prayers for Aubrey and our family have been heart warming. I know he would be so touched to see your out pouring emotions still going strong.
This year has been full of the unexpected. Aubrey's mom passed away and one of the Texas 7 has requested an early execution. These 2 occurances hit me hard.
Aubrey is with the woman that gave him life. Now, one of the "texas 7" who took his life, will possibly meet his maker sooner than expected. I have often been asked my opinion on Capital Punishment. My thoughts are this... "Don't worry about State and Federal punishment. Worry about the higher power".
To Aubrey's Brothers in Blue: Keep doing what you do! Honor him by keeping the streets and our homes safe. That is what he vowed to do, as you will.
Stay Safe! My thoughts are always with you.
Lori Hawkins-Acosta
Spouse
December 19, 2007
You are remembered today young Sir and thank you for your courage and dedication. You are a hero just by the profession you chose.
VanDenBerghe
Manchester, NH
December 17, 2007
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I was reflecting on my many blessings in life. The greatest blessing I have is to share a profession with men like you. Rest in peace, Sir. You are never forgotten by those of us that carry on without you.
AZ Narc
November 21, 2007
Mrs Hawkins, may you and your son be ever blessed.
November 18, 2007
Lori,
We have never met but our children go to school with your son. I can think of no greater tribute to Officer Hawkins than the person your son has become. He is such a great kid. It is a real tribute to all you who have helped him to become that person he is today.
Stone family
November 15, 2007
I was working that same night checking on an alarm at the local Wal-Mart. The night crew was cleaing up and closing for Christmas and all was well. I've never forgotten that night because that same night you were protecting others from harm and gave your life for them. It always reminds me that nothing is for granted.
Thank God for Law Emforcement, and God Bless you Sir.
Deputy Loonsfoot
Marquette County Sheriff Dept. MI.
November 8, 2007
Aubrey, I don't know if I ever met you at a function where San Angelo REACT helped with the Dallas REACT while you were still a member. But, I know several who did know you.
As a Public Safety Dispatcher, I was saddened to learn of your death and our distant connection. Our department had recieved several reports of people seeing the Texas 7 in our area and I hoped that nothing occurred to ANY law enforcement officer, especially our own.
May you rest in peace.
David Behrend
October 30, 2007
I am writing a paper over my career for an internship course. I still remember that dreaded call on Christmas Eve from Wade telling me that Aubrey had been killed in the line of Duty. Aubrey was a great friend and always willing to help others.
I still come across fellow officers that either knew or worked with Aubrey.
You are truly missed. May God speed be with you.
Police Officer Shane Korinek
Garland Police Department former coworker
October 11, 2007
Dear Officer Hawkins,
I remember when this happened and how I cried when I read of the way you died and the kind of man, son, husband and father you were.
It was not fair, it should not have happened, but you did you job as the professional you were trained to be.
I wish you hadn't gone this way, sir, but I thank you for your sacrifice. Your sacrifice ultimate took seven animals off the street and into Huntsville's Death Row, where they belong.
Your family stays in my prayers, and I wish you peace in your home with God.
Officer Aubrey Hawkins, you gave your all, and that "all" was ultimately your life. I am awed and humbled by your bravery.
Thank you for protecting and serving.
You are not forgotten.
LRVirgil, Civilian
Mesquite, Texas - Police Supporter
September 29, 2007
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