Roll of Honor
Incident
Patrolman Hawkes was shot and killed when he went to the Garlick Hotel to arrest a disorderly man. Patrolman Hawkes was called to the hotel when one of the guests became disorderly. At some point the guest went to the landlord’s apartment and asked for a gun. Even though the landlord did not give him a gun, the suspect somehow came up with a .38 Smith and Wesson revolver. When Patrolman Hawkes arrived, the suspect shot him three times as he entered the hotel. The 37-year-old suspect was arrested by other officers. Two weeks later he stabbed himself to death in his jail cell. Patrolman Hawkes had served with the Rapid City Police Department for 3 1/2 years.
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Hawkes gave the Rapid City Police Department 3 years.
Thank you for your service to the Rapid City community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Hawkes.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Patrolman James Hawkes is one of 1 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 0% of all 97,784 officers honored here.
In SD, 36 of 62 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 58.1% of this state's fallen. That is 58.1 percentage points above the national rate of 0%.
At Rapid City Police Department, 5 of 8 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 62.5% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. James Hawkes's cause is highlighted.
How James Hawkes Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. James Hawkes is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. James Hawkes was killed by handgun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Rapid City Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
