In Loving Memory of Susan Hawkins
The city of Phoenix mourns the sudden and tragic loss of Susan Hawkins, 60, a dedicated Phoenix Municipal Court hearing officer whose life was cut short in an unforeseen accident on Wednesday afternoon. Hawkins was struck by a truck inside a city parking garage shortly after 4:15 p.m. and was immediately transported to the hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries. Authorities report that the driver remained at the scene, and there is no indication that impairment played a role in the incident.
Susan Hawkins was a respected member of the Phoenix Municipal Court, known for her fairness, diligence, and compassion. In her role as a hearing officer, she presided over arraignments and hearings for civil traffic and non-traffic cases, providing guidance and judgment with a steady hand and a commitment to justice. Colleagues remember her as a professional who treated each case with integrity, but also as a warm and approachable person who cared deeply for those around her. Her presence in the courtroom brought a sense of calm and fairness that left a lasting impression on both staff and those who appeared before her.
The fatal incident occurred in a city employee parking garage near the corner of Adams Street and 3rd Avenue, across from the Phoenix Municipal Court building where Susan spent much of her professional life. The suddenness of her passing has left the court and community in shock, as they struggle to come to terms with losing a dedicated public servant whose contributions were both meaningful and enduring.
Friends, colleagues, and community members remember Susan not only for her work but also for her kindness, her laughter, and the unwavering dedication she brought to her life and her career. Many recall her willingness to mentor younger staff, her ability to find common ground in challenging situations, and her generosity in offering support to anyone in need. Outside of her professional life, Susan was known for her warmth, her love of family, and her commitment to the community she served so faithfully.
The Phoenix Municipal Court has expressed condolences to her family and colleagues, noting that her impact on the court and the broader community will not be forgotten. A life devoted to public service, marked by professionalism and compassion, has left a void that will be deeply felt by all who knew her.
As the community grieves, Susan Hawkins will be remembered for her dedication, her integrity, and the countless ways she made a difference in the lives of others. While her life was tragically shortened, her legacy of service, care, and commitment will continue to inspire those who follow in her footsteps.
In these moments of sorrow, the city pauses to honor her memory, celebrate her contributions, and extend heartfelt sympathy to her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched. Susan Hawkins will be remembered not only as a respected hearing officer but as a remarkable person whose spirit and dedication left a lasting mark on Phoenix.

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