Local News
WOPD officer Dennis Hankins receives award from governor
AUSTIN — On this recently historic day, Sept. 11, in America that citizens refer to as 9-11, there were 33 first responders from the State of Texas that were being honored by the Governor at the Texas Capitol.
One of these 33 first responders was Officer Dennis Hankins of the West Orange Police Department who was personally recognized and honored by Governor Perry with the Star of Texas Award.
This award was given to Hankins as a result of a domestic disturbance call on June 15th, 2008 where he was brutally attacked by an individual who was throwing punch after punch, and who then went for the gun holstered at Officer Hankins' hip.
The pair fought over the gun when the suspect then grabbed a five-pound weight with his free hand and bludgeoned Hankins several times. After the pounding stopped, Hankins saw the suspect standing over him, pointing the gun down towards him. He looked away, waiting for the shot to fire, but after several moments he looked up to find the suspect had fled.
After calling for backup, Hankins was transported to the hospital where he received 32 staples in his head, stitches around his face and was treated for a broken finger. He spent several weeks out of work recovering, but has since returned to active duty.
The suspect in the attack was found shortly after and was later found guilty for his assault on Officer Hankins and sentenced to life in prison. Hankins has also received the Purple Heart, issued by the American Police Hall of Fame, which recognizes officers who have been seriously injured in the line of duty. Hankins has been an officer with the West Orange Police Department for over 15 years.
At the ceremony with Hankins was his wife, Carolyn, along with relatives, Chief Michael Stelly, West Orange Mayor Roy McDonald and Mayor Pro Tem Shirley Bonnin. Many in the capitol observed the ceremony while it was occurring.
Now is the time to let our First Responders know how important the job that they do is. And you can help them by joining the 100 Club of Southeast Texas.First Responders, Civic Leaders, business owners and individuals needs your help in raising funds so that the First Responders of Orange County might be a part of One Hundred Club of Southeast Texas. For more information on the 100 Club of Southeast Texas go to http://www.100clubsetx.com on the internet or call (409) 893-5444.
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