
The Voorhees community gathered on July 31 to honor Lt. Derek Hawkins as he concluded his 25-year career with the township police department.
Friends, colleagues, and residents reflected on a career defined by service, leadership, and integrity. Hawkins, a township native, officially retired on July 31. His successor is Lt. Ryan Brennan, who was sworn in as lieutenant on July 22.
“Congratulations to Lt. Derek Hawkins on his retirement after 25 years of dedicated service,” the police department said in a statement. “Thank you for your unwavering commitment to public service. Your impact on this department and the community will not be forgotten. Wishing you a happy and well-deserved retirement.”
Hawkins began his career with the department in 2000 and was promoted to lieutenant in the summer of 2021. Hawkins had a variety of roles, including investigator, detective, sergeant, and leadership positions in community affairs, traffic, and administrative services. Along the way, he earned multiple unit citations and the respect of both colleagues and the community.
For Hawkins, the most meaningful part of his career was serving the community where he grew up.
“I think I’m most proud of being able to serve in the community I grew up in,” he noted, “being able to be impactful in people’s lives over the years.”
Hawkins’ ties to Voorhees run deep. He moved to the township in 1976 and grew up in the Turbridge in Echelon neighborhood with his father, mother and brother. He attended Osage Elementary and Voorhees Middle School, and graduated from Eastern High in 1988.
Hawkins studied at Morgan State University for two years before transferring to Rutgers University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in history in 1994. Hawkins is married to Eleni Nikolis, and together they share one son, Devon, and two grandchildren, Roman Nikolis and August Nikolis.
Hawkins observed how each of his police positions offered its own rewards.
“As a patrol officer, I enjoyed engaging with the public, residents, and our township,” he said. “Later, I really valued the community affairs side, attending events and community meetings, staying connected with the people we serve.”
Born on a military base to a U.S. Army veteran father, who instilled strong values, Hawkins carried those lessons into his career.
“I have always had a very strong code of ethics, and I always tried to do the right thing,” he explained. “Even when it was difficult, I held myself accountable. In policing, you face tough situations, and sometimes you’re told you’re wrong even when you’re doing everything right.
“You have to keep moving forward.”
As he steps into retirement, Hawkins offered advice to future law-enforcement leaders.
“Always put your men and women first who are serving under you,” he remarked. “Do more for others than you do for yourself and always do the right thing.”
For now, Hawkins’ plans are simple – spending time with family, working on projects and focusing on loved ones. His father passed away in 2018, so he and his brother look after their mother daily.
“I will be working on my home, and my parents’ home,” he said. “That will be my focus for now.”
Hawkins then reflected on his life.
“I was so blessed to grow up in my family God sent to me,” he noted. “My family upbringing and God’s grace was and is the difference in my life.”