Roger Hawkins
The Roger
Hawkins Water Treatment Plant was named after an incredible man.
 Mr.
Roger Hawkins started working for the City of Dyersburg in 1953. He first worked
with the Water & Light Department as a "trouble shooter," reading,
replacing, and installing meters. By 1957, he was promoted to water plant superintendent.
He was on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. He supervised employees, oversaw
the operation and maintenance of two water treatment plants and two pumping stations,
and performed laboratory analysis. He climbed every water tank to routinely inspect
them. He climbed his last water tank at the age of 71.Mr.
Hawkins possessed a Class IV water plant operator certification, a Class IV wastewater
plant operator certification, a Class II Distribution plus many certificates from
UT's Center for Government Training in leadership and career development.
Over the years he has received several
awards given by his peers, including being inducted unto the
Tennessee Water Quality Management Hall of Fame.
Mr. Roger Hawkins devoted his spare
time to the Tennessee National Guard. He joined the Dyersburg
National Guard at the age of 17. While working with the City,
he would use his vacation time to attend military camp. He
also went to military schools at night and took several military
correspondence courses. After 42 ½ years he retired
from the National Guard. He retired as a Major and had qualified
for the position of Brig. General.
Mr. Roger Hawkins
retired from water treatment in February 2002; he worked for 50 years with the
City of Dyersburg. He still resides in Dyersburg, Tennessee complete with his
family and friends.
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