"Mr. Hawkins,
It has been a pleasure working with you through these difficult circumstances. My son has suffered mental illness for quite awhile. I had hoped his life would not have ended as abruptly as it did. But, the God send in this tragedy are people like you. You have shown us compassion and understanding that is enabling us to move toward closure and resolution. Every phone call I have made to you was handled with kindness. God bless you and your family. Roletta Tidewater, Oregon June, 2009
Jack,
I would like to personally thank you for the compassion you demonstrated to me and my family as we experience the devastating loss of our beloved Donnie. Your kindness in accommodating our family to see Donnie and care you took in preparing him for us is so appreciated. Donnie had an exuberant personality that brightened any room and he truly loved his family and life itself. Thank you for allowing us to see him one last time.
Kathy Dayton, Oregon Aug. 2009
Letter to the Editor, Yakima Herald Republic May 15, 2018
"I have done most of the medicolegal autopsies for Yakima County for over 30 years now. I have done the same for many other counties over the years. Call it a professional perspective.
I have worked with many county coroners over those same three decades, all those counties, and I have never worked with one better than Jack Hawkins. Yakima County is fortunate to have him.
He is better at his job each year and has good people around him to help make it so, year to year. The learning curve goes on...
I am from the old school of "don't fix it if it ain't broke". I have learned many times that 'change' is not the same thing as 'progress', so until someone can show me they're really better at the job of County Coroner than Jack Hawkins, I recommend no change come Election Day." Jeffrey M. Reynolds, MD
"I have known Jack over 30 years. He is the one you want to stand with, and for, your loved one during the worst time in your life." Dave Johnson, Yakima Sheriff's Office Detective, Retired May, 2018
"I fully support Jack Hawkins for re-election as Yakima County Coroner. He is by far the most qualified candidate. His vast experience in law enforcement and his tenure as coroner serve our community well. I have known Jack for many, many years. I have worked with him in a professional role during my tenure as Chaplain at Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital. I appreciate his ability to work with families during times of loss and his professional ability to examine each situation for the scientific and forensic evidence. Bottom line, Jack is a good man and deserves re-election." Kent Roberts, YPD Chaplain June 2018
Letter to the Editor, Yakima Herald Republic July 2018
In my capacity as a forensic pathologist, I worked regularly with over two dozen coroners in about a dozen counties in Washington from 1994 thru 2014, including Yakima County coroners Leonard Birkinbine, and Maury Rice and Jack Hawkins. Currently, I am the chief medical examiner of Snohomish County in Everett, Washington. Jack Hawkins stands in the upper tier of those I've worked with.
Jack is extremely knowledgeable and experienced in conducting death investigations and has shown a lifetime of service to the Yakima County community, first during his career in law enforcement and then over a decade as coroner. He is confident and comfortable with his duties, yet he considers others' needs and ideas. He is a strong leader who shows compassion for families, works well with other agencies and departments, and wants to lead the Yakima County Coroner's Office into the future. I endorse Jack Hawkins for Yakima County Coroner without reservation." Dr. Daniel Selove (Chief Medical Examiner of Snohomish County)
Letter to the Editor, Yakima Heard Republic July 2018
The primary job of the coroner is to investigate deaths. It is a law enforcement job.
Jack has over nine years of experience as Yakima County's Coroner. Prior to that, he served two years as Chief Deputy Coroner. Jack also has 25 years of experience as a police officer in Yakima County, serving in the Yakima County Sheriff's Office and the Yakima Police Department.
Jack cares about the people of Yakima County. He treats the deceased and their families with respect, compassion and patience. He has an excellent working relationship with the other professionals that he works with, including law enforcement, medical personnel, forensic specialists, medical examiners and funeral homes.
Jack was unanimously appointed by the Yakima County Commissioners because he is extremely well qualified. Jack's opponents, although probably really nice guys, simply do not have the investigative training or experience needed to do the job. A coroner must investigate deaths in order to determine a cause and manner of death. A coroner must know how to preserve evidence, how to identify a John Doe, must be able to determine the difference between a homicide, a suicide and an accidental death. I'm voting for Jack Hawkins. Theresa Campbell
Letter to the Editor, Yakima Herald Republic July 2018
I have been married to Jack Hawkins for 36 years. He is one of the most honorable men I know. I have seen him in many situations and he has always conducted himself with calm assurance, respect and integrity.
I alone know the full extent of his commitment to this position. I alone witness his conscientiousness, compassion and professionalism all day, all night, 365 days a year. I alone know about all the calls and all the times he is called to death scenes all hours of the nights, weekends, holidays, and family days. Trust me when I say he is a fine man, not the words of those who don't know him.
The coroner is the last voice for the deceased. Jack has helped thousands of people through some of the worst days of their lives with compassion and the knowledge necessary to help them move forward.
If the unthinkable should happen to your friend or loved one, who do you want to speak for them? I want the most qualified person to speak, to seek justice, to seek answers for the loved one lost. Jack, without question, is the only one I would trust to handle this important business. Anne Hawkins
Letter to the Editor, Yakima Herald Republic July 2018
I'd like to express my support for Jack Hawkins for the position of Yakima County Coroner. I believe, for good reason, that he is the best candidate for this position. Jack has held positions in law enforcement and the coroner's office for decades, and his dedication to his work is like nothing I've ever seen before. In every one of my visits to the Hawkins residence, his phone is strapped to his hip, and he jumps into action with every call that came through.
As to these wild allegations, I can only say that I've seen Jack's relationship with Anne Hawkins, his wife, and I'm awestruck by the love and support he shows her. He's a man of fidelity, integrity and honor.
These traits, combined with his skill in the field, have secured my support. Jack, I wouldn't trust anyone else to do as well as you, so for my friends and family, I wish you a well-earned and decisive victory. Taylor Roice
Letter to the Editor, Yakima Herald Republic July 2018
There is no substitute for experience. Far and away, the Yakima County Coroner is the most experienced and qualified candidate.
Jack Hawkins has had a career of providing high-quality investigative services, as a member of law enforcement.He served ten years as a Yakima County deputy sheriff, including time as a sergeant. He then spent 15 years with the city of Yakima Police Department. Both during his term as a deputy sheriff and as a police officer, he served as an accident reconstructionist. Subsequently, he spent two years as the chief deputy coroner for Yakima County, and for the past nine years, he has been Yakima County Coroner. I met Jack Hawkins in 1975, as an attorney in private practice. I have had numerous contacts with him over the past 43 years. He is very knowledgeable, thorough and conscientious.
One of the most innovative programs created by Coroner Hawkins is for identifying indigent cremated remains. He established a registry to facilitate reuniting families by connecting them to the remains of their deceased loved ones. Coroner Hawkins modified the Yakima County Coroner's website to accommodate this program.
Please vote to re-elect our Yakima County Coroner Jack Hawkins. David A. Thorner
Letter to the Editor, Yakima Herald Republic July 2018
I've known Jack Hawkins for more than three decades both personally and professionally, and I can attest to his qualifications and experience to continue serving as Yakima County Coroner.
Jack has helped locate countless missing persons and those separated from their families seeking reunification. As a seasoned investigator and law enforcement officer, he has guided thousands of grieving families as they go through some of the worst days of their lives during investigations. Jack is truly a compassionate coroner and "the last voice" for so many in our county. He deserves another term. Anita Monoian
To the Editor, Yakima Herald Republic July 2018
I have had the privilege of knowing Jack Hawkins for 40-plus years. Over 25 of those years were spent working with Jack in law enforcement. Jack has always exemplified professionalism, integrity and a strong work ethic. The law enforcement community relies heavily on an experienced leader in the Coroner's Office who possesses the investigative knowledge and skills it takes to complete thorough and often time-sensitive investigations.
The Coroner's Office is the conduit to law enforcement throughout the legal process when suspects are charged and brought to justice for the death of others. The evidence collected by the Coroner's Office is what oftentimes convicts those who have committed horrible crimes against individuals.
The coroner is entrusted with bringing clarity along with closure during very difficult times for families across Yakima County. Jack possesses the passion and necessary skills it takes for the position. He has demonstrated this for many years. Please retain Jack Hawkins for coroner. Rod Light, Captain, Yakima Police Department, retired.
To the Editor September 2018
As the chief deputy coroner for the last nine years, countless people have asked me who they should vote for to hold the office of Yakima County coroner. I understand that many people may not be aware of the duties of the coroner's office and that leaves them unsure of the best candidate to fill that position.
Jack Hawkins is the most qualified, experienced candidate, and the only clear choice of who should be the Yakima County coroner. Jack has run the coroner's office for the last nine years and has the needed experience to continue service to the community with no interruption or needed "learning curve".
I hope you will join me in voting to retain Jack Hawkins as Yakima County coroner.The only experienced and qualified candidate. He is the best choice for Yakima County. Marshall Slight, Yakima Chief Deputy Coroner
On Facebook October 2, 2018
Well here we are, fall is upon us, the evenings are cooler and the harvest almost finished. As we take a breather we have to keep in our mind that election time is five weeks from now. We as citizens of Yakima County need to be sure to get out and vote to re-elect Jack Hawkins for county Coroner. Jack has extensive background in law enforcement as a Yakima County Deputy Sheriffs sergeant and served as a Police Officer with Yakima Police Department for many years. Experience in law enforcement is paramount as the Coroner of Yakima County. He has to have a background in gathering evidence and preserving the integrity of that evidence on criminal cases. He must assist law enforcement in conducting investigations into cases involving loss of life. Jack Hawkins has the right demeanor to thoughtfully assist families of lost loved ones to get through a very traumatic time in their lives. Let's elect the most experienced candidate for Yakima County Coroner, that candidate is Jack Hawkins.
Bob Radke, Yakima County Sheriffs Office, Ret.
To the Editor October 2018
Jack Hawkins has been the Yakima County coroner for nine years. He has 30 years of law enforcement investigative background.
He has grown the office into a well-functioning organization. His combined experience of 39 years in these fields more than qualify him to continue in his position. His experience in determining the manner and cause of unattended death speaks for itself. Re-elect Jack Hawkins as Yakima County coroner.
Bob Regimbal, Chief, Yakima Co. Sheriff's Office, Ret.
On Facebook October 2018
Jack Hawkins has our unequivocal support and endorsement for retaining as Yakima County Coroner. We did not know Jack Hawkins before losing my brother in law Lupillo Arellano last year. His untimely death left many unanswered questions. Thankfully, we could count on Jack Hawkins to help us get the answers we needed. Fully professional and unbelievably compassionate, Jack Hawkins served my family well in every way. You can count on our vote. Mitch Richardson
Letter to the Editor October 17, 2018
The coroner is a death investigator. Don’t you want an experienced investigator investigating the loss of your loved one? Then your only choice is Jack Hawkins, who has over 35 years of investigation training and experience, 25 years in prehospital medicine as an EMT, nearly 10 years as your coroner, has investigated hundreds of homicides, suicides, motor vehicle fatalities, overdoses and accidental deaths. These investigations include: determining time of death whether it occurred minutes, hours, days weeks, months or years ago; studying the scene for evidence pertaining to the death; collecting and preserving evidence correctly for prosecution; identification of the deceased; collecting medicines prescribed to the deceased; the external examination of the body; the autopsy conducted by the forensic pathologist to determine cause of death, done at the direction and with the input of the coroner; taking samples for toxicology, the only way to determine what drugs were taken prior to death; talking with law enforcement and/or fire investigators, witnesses, family members and hospital staff. After gathering the above information, the coroner decides the manner of death: homicide, suicide, etc. Investigation is the most important part of the coroner’s duties, vote for the most qualified. Anne Hawkins
Editors note: The letter writer is the wife of Coroner Jack Hawkins.
Writer's note: Yes I am, and proud of it. However, my relationship with Coroner Hawkins doesn't alter the facts addressed in the letter.
Letter to the Editor October 28, 2018
This letter is to fully endorse Jack Hawkins to continue his job as Yakima County's coroner. When a sudden death happens, family and law enforcement want and need answers. The coroner needs to have both medical and law enforcement background and training.
Death happens day, night, weekends and holidays. Jack is on call 24/7 and takes pride in his position for Yakima County. He has continued his education in all areas and has been called to testify in court for his expertise. Jack Hawkins treats all deceased like family. I know this because I am the chaplain for the City of Yakima Fire Department and was with him and his family when his mother-in-law passed away.
Yakima County needs to retain Jack Hawkins as its coroner! Susan Whitman