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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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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
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Rapid City Police Department has lost 8 officers; 5 of them killed feloniously.
James is one of 37 officers killed feloniously in SD, 57.8% of the 64 remembered there.
James is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,551 remembered there.
James is one of 17,631 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 52% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1916, 1 officer at Rapid City Police Department was killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 4 years on record. The heaviest was 2011, with 2.
In 1916, 2 officers in SD were killed feloniously, the 2nd heaviest of 28 years on record. The heaviest was 2011, with 3.
In 1916, 155 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 24th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1916, 175 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 23rd heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
James had served 3.5 years; the middle length of service was 3.5 years.
James had served 3.5 years; the middle length of service was 5 years.
James had served 3.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
James had served 3.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
December holds 20% of these deaths at Rapid City Police Department; August holds the most, 40%. Thursdays: 20%.
December holds 5.4% of these deaths in SD; September holds the most, 21.6%. Thursdays: 18.9%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Thursdays: 14%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Thursdays: 14.1%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 62.5% of all 8 deaths at Rapid City Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.8% of all 64 deaths in SD, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 10.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 52% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Rapid City Police Department has 8 officers remembered here, James among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 53-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
7 officers from Rapid City Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
