Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I remember being very little when my uncle Rusty would send me pictures of himself and some of his medals from Vietnam. The most memorable was him in his bunk with his machine gun. He sent a cross with Jesus on it. He also sent a plaque of a wolf with bat wings a fish tail and a machine gun making my sisters and i honorary SeaWolves. I was awestruck when i saw he was given the medal of valor. His faith and strength in the Lord is what impressed me most. He is still missed and will continue to be one of the most inspirational people of all my life.

John King
Uncle

January 21, 2020

Where do I start to explain how important Rusty was to so many people who knew him. He lived and loved life to the fullest everyday. He was a very important colleague and one of my closet friends if not the closest I ever had. He took his profession very serious and always performed at his best. I was personally involved with him on several tactical situations during our time together which all turned out well because of Rusty's input and professionalism. Rusty's most important thing in his life was his family, there was nothing more important to him. He was truly one of the finest human beings I have ever had the privilege to know. He's missed dearly. I know he's resting in peace.....

Former Officer Ken Clark
Phoenix PD

April 24, 2019

I was a Deputy for MCSO the night of Officer Hawkins’ tragic accident and the first Deputy on the scene. Upon checking on the victim I found, I determined he had passed on the scene. It was a short time later that I learned who Officer Hawkins was and at that time started second guessing myself for pronouncing his death at the scene. I had major issues due to his being a fellow LEO. Thankfully I received a call from the Coroner’s office confirming the instant death from the accident. Very thankful he did not suffer. He was a better than good Officer and I still think of that night. RIP Rusty.

Former MCSO Deputy Russ Mauzy
Maricopa County SO

March 21, 2019

Officer Hawkins family;
I met Rusty not too long before his passing. I purchased a wrecked Datsun 260Z and looked up the former owner to inquire about the history of the car. I came to your house and met Rusty (I was a DPS officer) where I learned he was with PPD. We spent over an hour that day talking as old friends like we knew each other forever. He gave me his card (which I still have and cherish) and told me to come by anytime. Two months later and he was gone but certainly not forgotton.
I promised him I would bring the car by after I finished restoring it, I'm sorry I never had the chance.

Michael G
DPS

September 11, 2015

I was a nurse in the Emergency Room at St. Luke's Medical Center when Rusty was part of the walking beat in the Deuce in Phoenix. He and his fellow officers were always a welcome site to those of us who worked there. He would bring us popcorn from a nearby liquor store. He attended some of our social gatherings, like my birthday party. And, my huband and I also spent time with Rusty and Cherie outside of the hospital. Once we had gone roller skating, but Cherie could not skate because she had just found out she was pregnant with either Jill or Jeff....I can't remember which one now. I am posting this message so his family will know Rusty has never been forgotten. He was a friend and a wonderful police officer.

Nancy Cunningham, Emergency Room RN
St. Luke's Medical Center

July 15, 2015

Rusty,

I will always cherish the times, deeply honored and fortunate to have been your partner. You played a major role in my future with the Phoenix Police Department; most notably; SAU! Reading all the other people's reflections showcases the positive influence you had in so many lives. God may have taken you away from us too soon; however your memory and honor will live forever in all of us!

Thank you for you being part of my life!

Bob Dennerlein; retired detective
Phoenix Police Department

April 24, 2015

Mr. Hawkins, I didn't know you but I know your son. We worked together as actors. More than ten years ago, he told me the story of how you died, and for some reason, I have never forgotten it, or you. After this memorial I never will. It's amazing how people we've never met can affect us. I can only imagine the effect you would have had on me if I'd actually known you personally. From these messages, you were a wonderful teacher and mentor, which means you must've loved learning. Hope you're learning some wonderful new things.

Scott Plate
Jeff's friend

April 24, 2014

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9

Marshal Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service

April 24, 2013

You taught in one of my classes at the Phoenix Police
Regional Academy in 1981. When I graduated I ran into you in the city a few times. You always made me laugh. My law enforcement career is ending with the DEA. With that being said my fondest memories are of my time with the Phx PD and working with officers like you.
Semper Fi. Rest well.
DEA Agent/Police Officer Always

Police Officer
DEA/Phoneix PD

December 22, 2012

I was a classmate of Rustys in highschool. I hadn't had contact with him for several years. I was working radio with MCSO that night and didn't learn till the next day who had died that night. Although he was in my thoughts, I just couldn't bring myself to attend another funeral after Nam, and 20 years in Law Enforcement. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

Officer Forsyth
Mesa, DPS, MCSO. School Friend

June 18, 2012

It has been a long time since I spoken of Rusty. I was one of his students at Phoenix Community College in the early 1980's. He was a good teacher and a fair man. I kept up with my studies and been in one form of law enforcement or another since then and he had some part in me staying with it. Keep an eye on the rest of us, while we are still on watch

Officer Dee
Fort Lee Police Department

October 10, 2011

Rest in Peace brother, keep an eye on us who are still on the Watch, from above

Policeman
Phoenix PD, Brother in Blue

July 1, 2010

Another sad day with another officer lost. Dad, I know you will be shaking his hand, as he joins you in heaven. Every day I am thankful and proud of you. The messages on this page help me more than people know. Thank you.

Jill Hawkins Johnson

Anonymous

May 26, 2010

I will always remember and honor your service. I attended Echo Mountain Elementary with your children (Kindergarten thru 2nd grade I think), and can still remember what great kids they were.

Ofc. Adam Hopkins #437
Chandler PD

May 7, 2010

Last night our squad stood at 35th Avenue & Happy Valley and honored your memory. It has been twenty six years to the day that you answered the call and made the ultimate sacrifice. While none of us had the privilege to know you, we will never forget and you will live on in our hearts.

- 71J Squad

Anonymous

April 25, 2010

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

October 7, 2009

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

October 4, 2009

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

October 4, 2009

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

October 1, 2009

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

Francesca Anatra (retired)
Phoenix Police Department

October 1, 2009

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

September 30, 2009

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

September 30, 2009

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

September 30, 2009

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

September 29, 2009

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

September 29, 2009