It is with a heavy heart that the City of Newberry mourns the passing of Lieutenant Mike Hawkins with the Newberry Police Department.

Hawkins, 55, served the Newberry Police Department and Newberry community for 20 almost years, beginning his career on December 5, 2005. During his time with the police department, Hawkins worked his way through the ranks, being promoted to Corporal, Shift Sergeant, Juvenile Sergeant, Investigator Sergeant and Traffic Sergeant. He was promoted to his present position of Traffic Lieutenant in 2023.

He received the Distinguished Service Award in 2023 on behalf of the department for continually going above and beyond the call of duty. Police Chief Kevin Goodman describes that award as going to a member of the department that exemplifies all the core values and pushes the mission and vision for the department.

“The officer that never falters in the midst of our darkest times,” Goodman said.

Members of the Newberry Police Department staff described Hawkins as more than a co-worker, but a friend, or member of the family.

Goodman said Hawkins was an example for those in the law enforcement profession, a leader.

“He loved the department and the community,” Goodman said. “He understood his calling and lived in it boldly every day. He loved people and people loved him.”

Goodman said Hawkins was loved and will be missed by their department every day.

Captain Jay Brogdon described Hawkins as being there for anyone and everyone.

“He was there for me many times in my toughest moments in life with his hand out to pick me up,” Brogdon said. “A big empty hole has been left, but I know he is watching over all of us. Until we meet again ‘Big Mike,’ my hero and friend – know I will never forget you and will miss our daily banter back and forth, going hunt, fishing or lunches, just being my pal.”

Major Micheal Kennedy said Hawkins set the bar to an unreachable level, both on and off duty. He described him as an unbelievably loving family man.

“His entire life revolved around his wonderful wife and raising four great young adults and providing the best life he could for them,” Kennedy said.

Kennedy shared that often you could find Hawkins smiling, cracking jokes and singing 80’s songs loudly for everyone to hear. In public, he said Hawkins addressed everyone with a smile like they were old friends, as they usually were.

“Off duty [Mike] was a man you could count on no matter what,” Kennedy said. “Many times I needed help and he was always there with a smile, never complaining and always ready to help. He will be sorely missed by all those who had the pleasure of meeting him.”

Kennedy said the Newberry Police Department had lost their finest officer and their best friend.

Mayor Foster Senn described Hawkins as a kind, good-hearted, gentle person who loved his family and loved people and that those qualities were present in his police work.

“Mike and I have been friends for many years as our families went to church together and we have children the same age,” Senn said. “Lt. Hawkins was an outstanding officer who was always looking out for the public.”

Senn shared he’d heard from multiple citizens since Hawkins’ passing who said how much they enjoyed working with and being with him.

“On behalf of the City of Newberry and City Council, we offer our sincere condolences to Lt. Hawkins’ family, friends and fellow officers,” Senn said.

McSwain-Evans Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the Hawkins family with arrangements. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, February 18, at Wiles Chapel on the campus of Newberry College.

Burial with honors rendered by the Police Honor Guard will follow in Trinity United Methodist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday, February 17 from 5 – 7 p.m. at the McSwain-Evans Funeral Home.

Pictured: Mike Hawkins (middle), pictured alongside Jay Brogdon and Kevin Goodman.