Residents of Hawkins, Texas, a small town located 20 miles north of Tyler with a population of just 1,300, are now facing a dire shortage in law enforcement. After the city council’s recent decision to terminate the last officer in their police department, Lt. Eric Tuma, the community has been left without any official police presence. This move has sparked alarm among residents, who are now worried about their safety and the lack of formal security.
The council’s decision to fire Tuma was based on allegations that he had not been fulfilling his duties, with the city claiming that Tuma had abandoned his post. The city council meeting notes reveal that Tuma was cited for “dereliction of sworn duties” and “abandonment of post,” as the town is now grappling with the consequences of having no one to enforce local laws. Mayor Debbie Rushing, who has been at the center of this turmoil, expressed her dismay, stating that she “can’t believe it” and that the community is suffering from a lack of police presence.
Rushing, who fired three officers in February under the pretext of “improper hiring practices,” had previously faced backlash when she was arrested in May for allegedly tampering with government records. This legal trouble has further deepened the community’s concerns, adding to the instability and uncertainty that has plagued the town. Council member Eric Maloy, who has been vocal about the situation, emphasized that the city is facing 16 lawsuits, including several from former officers, compounding the challenges faced by the local government.
The incident highlights the broader issues of governance and public safety in small towns, where leadership and accountability are crucial. With Tuma, the last remaining officer, now gone, residents are left without reliable law enforcement, which may have far-reaching implications for the community’s security and its relationship with local authorities.