FAREWELL TO A MIDLANDS’ LEGEND
Tributes have been pouring in from former colleagues, members of the SAPS and residents in the wake of the death of retired veteran SAPS K9 search and rescue unit officer, Lieutenant Jack Haskins.
He died at his home in Howick last Friday morning at the age of 68.
Haskins was a remarkable member of the SAPS and a hero who dedicated himself to his work.
Many have mentioned his profound impact on the lives of those he crossed paths with, especially those who knew him through his work in the K9 Search and Rescue Unit.
He was also described as a selfless man who saved a lot of lives.
During his illustrious career in search and rescue, Haskins was involved in the Midmar Mile and Dusi Canoe Marathon, rescues in the ‘Berg, drownings around the province and rescues in disaster zones.
In 2016, after being part of the SAPS for 39 years, he retired.
Three years later he re-entered the world of search and rescue to help Rescue SA for 10 days following Cyclone Idai in Mozambique.
He later worked as an operations manager for the Angels’ Care Centre in Howick, where he retired at the end of last year. His son, Jack Haskins Junior, said that was the only time his dad finally enjoyed his retirement.
Haskins Junior said his dad spent the last months of his life travelling, adding he had just returned from a Cape Town holiday a week ago.
He had been spending his time enjoying the things he liked, such as walking his dogs every morning and afternoon with his wife.
“My dad always put other people’s needs before his and was the first to help bring closure to families,” Haskins Junior said.
“He has taught me so much as a son, such as how to treat others and looking out for others before myself. That was an amazing thing
to learn from him.
“He was always a happy person, loved and respected by many people just by the work he did.”
He added that his dad dedicated his life to his work as a member of the K9 search and rescue, recalling that when they went on family holidays and outings, they always had two vehicles because they never knew when Haskins
would be called in to work.
“He was the type of person who would drop everything to go help someone. I remember many times while playing cricket, he would be on the sidelines watching and when I looked over again, he’d be gone because his help had been needed somewhere,” Haskins Junior said.
“His biggest passion was working for Search and Rescue and he loved his rescue dogs. After he retired from the SAPS, he joined Angels’ Care because it was his nature to always help people. He was never one to sit down and do nothing and that’s why I think his retirement took so long.”
Haskins Junior said his father was so committed to what he did that when his mother died in 2010, he didn’t take the day off.
His father attended a case in their vicinity and insisted on continuing to work, emphasising his dedication to his duty and the people he served.
Haskins was one of the first South African police officers to be sent on a rescue mission outside the country’s borders in India in 2001 and in Algeria in 2003.
He had five dogs that he loved dearly. Rolf, the first search and rescue dog, was put down in 2001 because of severe arthritis.
His other dogs were Orca, who was famous for going to India and Algeria for national disasters, Udane and Butch, a biological body fluid detection dog that could detect blood and semen.
In 2006, Orca received the SAPS Canine and Equine Star for Bravery awarded by the national commissioner, for outstanding work while searching for two missing boys in the Drakensberg.
Haskins was born in Manzini, Swaziland, and has four sisters and one brother.
He went to school in Pietermaritzburg, attending Pelham Primary and Alexandra Boys’ High.
After completing his two years of national service, he worked in his father’s real estate business in the city and later joined the SAPS.
In an interview with The Witness, Haskins said one of his most memorable experiences was receiving the coveted SAP Silver Cross for Bravery - one of 14 Pietermaritzburg policemen to receive the award in August 1991 - for saving victims trapped in the 1987 floods.
The commander of the Pietermaritzburg K9 Search and Rescue Unit, Captain Reeno Dayaram, said it took a special person to do the job.
“When I joined in 1993, Jack was already here and I grew up in front of him, gaining inspiration from him,” he added.
“Jack was so committed and dedicated. This is a lonely job, with everything we see, but Jack was so good with communicating with the community showing remorse for the families.
“I remember his farewell when he retired, he cried so much. He wanted to extend his employment, but at that time it wasn’t allowed. But before he left, he guided and trained search and rescue handlers. A lot of them say they are what they are today because of Jack.”
Haskins continued to assist K9 search and rescue handlers even after he retired, which showed his dedication.
Haskins is survived by his wife and two children.
• There will be a memorial service for Jack Haskins at the indoor centre at St John’s School in Pietermaritzburg at 1pm on Friday, November 3. All those who wish to pay their respects are