Record details
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I’ve been a firefighter for the City of Tyler since 1993. When those of us who make a living responding to emergency situations think back to Sept. 11, 2001, we can’t help but think of the many firefighters and emergency service personnel who lost their lives running in when most people were running out.
It’s part of my job, and every emergency responder’s job – firefighters, paramedics and police officers – to protect safety, health and property. Our families live with the knowledge that we work in dangerous situations. But for emergency responders and our families, there is great reward. I am privileged to make a living helping others.
As a firefighter, every day is different. You never know what situation you will respond to. I enjoy going into a chaotic situation knowing I can make a difference in people’s lives when things are out of control. Emergency responders can help people get through what may be the worst day of their lives, whether it’s a car crash, a house fire or a medical emergency.
This weekend, I am participating in the Dallas Memorial 9/11 Stair Climb along with 342 other firefighters. I was assigned the name of one of the firefighters who died in the Twin Towers, and I will take his name up 110 flights of stairs, the height of the World Trade Center. This is a way to remember each of the 343 firefighters who lost their lives 10 years ago.
As we remember 9/11, I ask that you include emergency responders everywhere in your prayers, those who are fighting wildfires in our own back yards as well as those responding to other tragedies worldwide.
Even as I prepare this column, hundreds of East Texas firefighters are working to keep families and businesses safe by battling raging brush and grass fires. A large number of these firefighters are volunteers, working countless hours in addition to their regular jobs. I hope as you watch news reports about the good work of these men and women that you will take their lives and safety into consideration as you do your part to avoid brush fires.
It has been a long and frustrating summer for us all. We are accustomed to being able to burn trash or simply enjoy an outdoor barbecue. But abiding by the burn bans and other restrictions can help prevent the next tragedy. I am proud to be a firefighter. It is not only my job, but it is a way of life, part of my personality.
I am proud to say that my time at Tyler Junior College helped prepare me for this great career by giving me a firm foundation in many areas, helping me become a well-rounded person not only because of the rigid academics but also because of the extra-curricular activities I was involved in. Who knows – maybe being an Apache Belle Guard figured into my career choice! TJC is a warm and friendly place, and the staff really seems to care. Someone is always willing to help if you have a problem. I have so many fond memories of my time at TJC: dating my wife, football games, time in the Teepee, the hallways of Jenkins Hall and great instructors like Gene Branum and Jack Smith.
I’m thankful for TJC and the people in my life who helped make this rewarding career a reality and I’m very excited that TJC now offers firefighter certification, so that others who are interested in this career can get the training they need right here at home.
- Biography
- TJC Hero and Friend Terry Hawkins transferred from TJC to The University of Texas at Tyler and completed a bachelor’s degree in 1987. He served as a pilot and disaster preparedness officer in the U.S. Air Force and married his TJC sweetheart, Diane Dickerson Hawkins, in 1988. Diane now serves on the TJC Alumni Association Board of Directors. The Hawkins are both active in their church, Marvin United Methodist, including serving with Marvin Menders, a group that performs building and repair projects for people in need. The group’s next trip is to Alabama to help with recovery from the devastating tornadoes that hit there this spring. Terry also competes in the Firefighter Combat Challenge, an obstacle course that simulates fire-ground tasks. The Challenge will be held in Tyler Oct. 7-8 in the south parking lot of Broadway Square Mall