Local heroes honored with awards at first annual Outstanding Law Enforcement Awards

Seven local officers and deputies were honored for their acts of heroism in the first annual State Attorney’s Office Outstanding Law Enforcement Awards Thursday.

Before a sea of uniforms and badges all the honorees received applause for their efforts to serve and protect.

Its significance was marked by a moment silence in honor of Officer Lance Whitaker who died in the line of duty this week.

It’s a sacrifice all those who wear the uniform are aware of.

Including Dep. Jacob Hawkins who received a Lifesaving Award.

“Not going to lie it’s a little overwhelming I didn’t anticipate any of this,” said Hawkins.

Hawkins got a standing ovation for his work to save the life of border patrol agent Drew Stokes, who was shot in the parking lot of an Oakleaf Publix last September.

“He very calmly put his hand on my back and said, ‘my name is Jacob Hawkins, I’m with the Clay County Sheriff’s Department and you’re going to be OK’,” said Stokes. “He put his finger in a hole that I had in my rib cage which ultimately kept enough blood in body.”

Like a true hero, Hawkins said he was just doing his job. At that moment he put all his years of training into action.

“I just wanted to give him a fighting chance and I’m glad that it worked out,” said Hawkins.

Stokes is now almost fully recovered, and their relationship has blossomed into a life-long friendship.

“I’m a big believer that people are put in the right position at the right time,” said Hawkins.

Hawkins’ family and work family also showed up to cheer him on, including one little guy who gets to call this hero, dad.

Hawkins and Stokes traveled to Oklahoma last week to participate in survival videos that will be used for training other law enforcement with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Hawkins has been with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office for nearly 20 years.

Officers Gary Stucki and Rick Wood of the Neptune Beach Police Department also received Lifesaving Awards for saving the life of a patient thanks to their quick action with a defibrillator.

JSO Officer David Alexander got the Lifesaving award as well for saving a man who was nearly electrocuted.

JSO detectives Glen Warkentien and Margaret Rhatigan also received an award for Investigative Excellence for their outstanding work in solving the Kamiyah Mobley and Freddie Farah cold cases.

Detective Dustin Kling of the Jacksonville Beach Police Department also received the Investigative Excellence award for his efforts investigating a daunting crime scene that spanned four city blocks after someone shot into a crowd of people last July.

Cox Media Group