JACKSONVILLE – Clay County Sheriff’s Office deputy Jacob Hawkins was recognized Wednesday a recipient of an Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer award Wednesday by the seven members of various Fourth Judicial Circuit agencies.

The idea originated after State Attorney Melissa Nelson last year met with Jacksonville Beach Police Department Detective Dan Watts. He introduced the concept and served on a committee with State Attorney’s Office members that received nominations from agencies and reviewed each to determine honorees.

“I cannot say enough about the good work performed by our Fourth Circuit law enforcement partners,” said Nelson. “Our goal with these awards is to showcase exemplary individuals for their efforts and say ‘thank you’ for their service to our community.”

On Sept. 26, 2017, Hawkins responded to a reported shooting in the parking lot of a supermarket on Oakleaf Plantation Boulevard. Upon arrival, he saw a victim who had been shot several times. The victim, Hawkins realized, was U.S. Customs Federal Agent Drew Stokes. Hawkins immediately used his trauma kit to provide first aid and treat the gunshot wounds, which were profusely bleeding. Aid required tourniquets and quick clot gauze in a severe upper torso wound.

Drew was walking out of an Oakleaf business as he was ambushed and shot five times.

Despite still having three bullets in him, Stokes survived, returned to work, and continues on the road to a full recovery thanks to Hawkins’ lifesaving efforts.