Dawkins, Earnest Joseph AT&T Miami Dade County African American History Calendar Collection

Born in Key West, Florida, on April 14, 1935, Earnest Joseph Dawkins was the eldest of four children born to the late John and Leola Dawkins. A 1953 graduate of the historic Booker T. Washington Senior High in Miami, Dawkins matriculated to North Carolina Agricultural and State University, and midway during his academic studies had to leave college to join the United States Army, where he completed a tour of duty in South Korea. After receiving an honorable discharge, and returning to South Florida, Dawkins continued with his passion for providing service, and in 1961 joined the Dade County Public Safety Department (Miami-Dade Police Department, MDPD), becoming one of the first African Americans recruited as a police officer. While in training, Dawkins completed his recruitment as one of the top candidates and was named the best marksman in his class. His career choice in law enforcement allowed him to protect and serve for more than 34 years. Upon his retirement, Dawkins began working with the Truancy Intervention Program (TIP), an intervention program that allowed retired police officers to become actively involved in the community. Fondly remembered as a very quiet and reserved gentleman, Dawkins cared deeply for his family and community, and took pride in working well with his peers. He enjoyed sharing valuable time entertaining family members and friends. Officer Earnest Dawkins passed on April 12, 2015, two days shy of his 80th birthday. He is lovingly survived by his wife, Isabelle, three sons, Craig Dawkins, Cedric Allen Dawkins, Corey A. Dawkins; two grandsons, C'Angelo Cedric Dawkins and Quamie Scott Dawkins; one brother, Harry W. Dawkins, and two sisters, Rose Dawkins and Pauline Dawkins Glover.

The Black Archives History & Research Foundation of South FL, Inc.

AT&T Miami-Dade County African-American History Calendars, 1994-2012, 2014-2017 Folder 20: 2016 Calendar

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