In this episode of The Line and The Oath, Fred Hawkins—retired firefighter, law enforcement officer, and Senior Drum Major for the State of New Mexico—breaks down what it really means to represent the fallen.
With over two decades in the fire service and 26 years in law enforcement, Fred has seen service from every angle. But it’s his work in honor guard and Pipes & Drums that carries a different kind of weight—where precision, discipline, and tradition aren’t just expected… they’re demanded.
This conversation goes beyond ceremony. It’s about the pressure of public service, the responsibility of honoring line-of-duty deaths, and why there are no second chances when it matters most.
If you’ve ever questioned what service really means—or what it costs over time—this episode answers it.