Hawkins, Texas Faces Police Crisis as City Council Dismisses Last Officer Amid Controversy

Hawkins, Texas Faces Police Crisis as City Council Dismisses Last Officer Amid Controversy

A Texas community is grappling with intensified turmoil following the city council’s decision to fire its last police officer. The Hawkins City Council voted on Monday to terminate Lt. Eric Tuma, the sole remaining member of the beleaguered Hawkins Police Department.

The council’s decision stemmed from allegations of “dereliction of sworn duties” and “abandonment of post,” as outlined in the agenda notes from the meeting. Reports indicated that Lt. Tuma had failed to respond to numerous calls, prompting Mayor Debbie Rushing to announce the dismissal.

Community Reaction to Officer’s Firing

Council member Eric Maloy expressed his disbelief and sadness over the situation, stating, “I’m very distraught and can’t believe it. They want our police back. They miss them. The community, the citizens.” Maloy emphasized the community’s longing for a functional police department.

Accounts from KLTV revealed that Tuma had recently taken time off due to a family emergency and had informed both the city and the Wood County Sheriff’s Office about his absence prior to the meeting.

A History of Departures and Controversy

The Hawkins Police Department has experienced significant upheaval since 2021, marked by a series of resignations and terminations. This trend of instability has placed immense pressure on city services and strained the already limited resources available.

Among the notable changes, Tuma, who hails from Hawkins, served as the interim chief following the resignation of former Chief Guy McKee in February 2024. At that time, two other officers resigned, alongside Municipal Court Judge Kyle Waggner, further illustrating the department’s challenges.

Implications of Officer Termination

With Tuma’s termination, Hawkins is left without a functioning police force. The town, which has a population of just 1,300 residents located approximately 20 miles north of Tyler, Texas, now faces a critical situation regarding public safety.

The council’s previous firings of three officers in February were based on claims of “improper hiring practices”. Mayor Rushing remarked that their dismissal was rooted in a desire to rebuild the department correctly, although the means of achieving this have led to significant pushback from the community.

The Mayor’s Legal Troubles

Adding to the complications, shortly after the termination of the three officers, Mayor Rushing herself was arrested in May on charges of allegedly tampering with government records, causing considerable embarrassment and further destabilization within city governance.

In addition to internal conflicts, the city now faces 16 lawsuits, primarily from former officers, which could further strain Hawkins’ limited budget and resources. Council member Maloy indicated that these lawsuits pose significant challenges in moving forward.

Future Prospects for Hawkins

Mayor Rushing remains hopeful, asserting the necessity of attracting dedicated law enforcement personnel willing to serve in small communities. “It’s amazing to me that there are still good cops that want to work in small towns and make it a better place, and we really just need it to go back to the way it was,” she told KLTV.

However, without a police department, addressing the community’s safety concerns becomes exceedingly difficult. Residents are anxious about the implications of having no local law enforcement, and many express a desire for a return to effective policing.

Seeking Solutions Amidst Crisis

As Hawkins navigates this tumultuous period, city officials and community leaders are urged to collaborate on rebuilding trust and restoring a sense of security. Engaging the community and understanding their needs will be crucial in the days to come.

Although the current situation is dire, overcoming the obstacles that lie ahead may be possible through open dialogue and effective planning. As Hawkins continues to grapple with the fallout from the latest council decisions, the eyes of many are on this small Texas town, hoping for a swift resolution.