COMMUNITY VOICES – MILTON COURIER
July 2013
Lt. John Conger, City of Milton Police Department
Our agency would like to take a moment to thank and acknowledge all of those in the community that helped make former Police Chief Terry Hawkins’ services such a success. We would especially like to thank the Milton Fire Department, the Rock County Sheriff’s Office, the Janesville Police Department, the School District of Milton, the United States Air Force, the other various public safety agencies, Cowley’s Piggly Wiggly, and everybody that contributed items for the luncheon.
On July 11th, Milton lost part of the fabric of our community with the passing of Chief Hawkins. Those of us that worked with him will remember his ability to lead, coupled with a hearty laugh and a wonderful sense of humor. When Terry came to Milton in the early 1990’s, the buzz-phrase “Community Policing” was beginning to take hold in law enforcement. Terry was ahead of the curve, and already practicing many of the concepts of that policing philosophy. Terry was always very active in the community. One of his favorite things to do was to read to elementary school students at various schools in the district. It was that type of programming that forged a strong bond with the community that we serve. We are proud to carry on similar traditions, and it was Terry that laid the foundation to Milton’s style of proactive policing years ago.
We know Terry was proud of his family for many reasons. Not the least of which was their public service with the Fire Department and EMS. Otis and JaLayne will proudly carry on his legacy of serving our community by continuing to help all of us here in Milton. We won’t be surprised if in about 15 years we see young Thomas donning a Milton Fire Department uniform or a Milton Police Department uniform. Or, knowing that family, perhaps both.
Rest in peace, Chief.
