What started as an ordinary Tuesday morning on Dec. 5 turned into a life-saving operation for Jeff Hawkins, a retired Tucson police officer, and his family.
When his neighbor, Brian Tukey, collapsed on their front porch from a heart attack, the Hawkins family sprang into action, demonstrating how tight-knit neighborhoods can still thrive in today’s world.
Jeff Hawkins recalls the moment vividly.
“I was getting ready to take my kid to school when the doorbell rang,” he said. “Brian was on the front porch telling me he was having a heart attack.”
Hawkins, drawing from his years of training on the police force, quickly assessed the situation, called 911, and gave Brian aspirin to chew while waiting for first responders.
“You just address the situation in front of you,” Hawkins said, emphasizing his calm, methodical response. “He was talking, so I knew he wasn’t in full cardiac arrest. It’s easier to call 911 and get paramedics here rather than try to transport him myself.”
Hawkins’ wife, Nicole, also played a pivotal role in ensuring Brian stayed calm until paramedics arrived.