The DEA Honor Roll

Kevin G. Hawkins, who hailed from South Ozone Park, Queens and grew up on Staten Island, was appointed to the force on January 20, 1987. During his 20-plus year career, he worked in the 17th Precinct, the Patrol Borough Manhattan South Task Force, and ultimately was a longtime member of the Executive Protection Unit of the Intelligence Division, where he served on the Mayor’s security detail. He earned his gold shield on May 29, 2003, and earned second grade on September 29, 2006. While still an active member of the Department, he passed away on May 7, 2007, from kidney cancer contracted as a result of his work on the rescue and recovery efforts from the World Trade Center attacks.

His friends noted that the illness felled their once tough and tireless colleague in less than one year.

“He brought a quiet reserve and a sense of dignity to everything he did,” said Mayor Michael Bloomberg. “He fought this disease with the same integrity and strength he displayed serving our country and our City.” Hawkins was a fighter in more ways than one: a former military man, he was a member of the United States Marine Corps and served as a reservist for two tours of duty in the Persian Gulf War in 1990. During his career, he made 71 arrests and received three Police Department medals in recognition of distinguished acts of duty. A Mets fan and an avid reader who also loved crossword puzzles, Hawkins was often absorbed in the New York Times catching up on news and current events. A devoted family man, Det. Hawkins was survived by his wife, three children, his mother, and his brother. At the time of his death, Kevin Hawkins was 42 years old

On June 28, 2010, on what would have been his 45th birthday, a private street at the corner of Locust Court and Gervil Place in Staten Island was renamed “Det. Kevin G. Hawkins Way.”