It is time for me to say goodbye to my California State Park and CSLEA colleagues after 23 years as a State Park Peace Officer (Ranger). California State Parks are interesting places filled with interesting people. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to meet, interact, and work with many quality folks over the years. My spouse recently retired after 29 years as an analyst with a state agency. I am looking forward to joining her and enjoying the retirement benefits CSLEA helped negotiate.

I grew up in Los Angeles and worked several years with a local park agency. Becoming a State Park Peace Officer Ranger with California State Parks was a good fit for me. I started my career with California State Parks in 2001, completed the academy, and started my field assignment in the Angeles District. This area in the Santa Monica Mountains covers beaches and parks in Malibu and extends all the way to downtown Los Angeles. I responded to an OIS in 2007 while I was a Field Training Officer and assisted the involved officer with contacting CSLEA legal defense. I observed firsthand how important this coverage was and decided to get more involved with our law enforcement association.

I want to thank CSLEA and our affiliate SPPOAC for all their support during my years as a peace officer, site representative, and affiliate board member. There are a lot of aspects to this job. Working with CSLEA expanded my work and career knowledge. My role as a site representative gave me the opportunity to advocate for the rank-and-file officer. I appreciate the numerous work and contract issues CSLEA legal, communications, and member services worked on over the years. It was nice to know that CSLEA was there during my career.

Lee Hawkins

State Park Peace Officer (Ranger) / California State Parks

SPPOAC Board Member