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It is with great sadness that the Simi Valley Police Department announces the passing of retired Sergeant Patricia Hopkins. Pat passed away at her home in Paso Robles, CA, surrounded by her family on Friday, Oct. 27, 2017. Sergeant Hopkins was a pioneering member of the Department and a role model for women in Law Enforcement at a time when very few worked in the profession. She truly paved the way for those that followed.

Patricia Irene Hopkins was born on September 26, 1937 in Culver City, CA to Willard and Lillian (Barry) Curtis being the second oldest of five girls. Pat moved to Redondo Beach, CA when she was eighteen. Her step-father was chief of police for the Redondo Beach Police Department. Pat followed in her step-father's footsteps entering law enforcement as a dispatcher for the Manhattan Beach Police Department. Later she was a secretary and policewoman for the Palos Verde Estates Police Department. When the Simi Valley Police Department formed in 1971, Pat became an original member of the Department as a dispatcher. In 1973 she became a full-fledged police officer for the city of Simi Valley. A Ford Foundation study later determined Pat was the first woman in the nation to patrol the streets by herself. She was also the first female detective and first sergeant at SVPD.

Pat had an uncanny ability to reach people in a deep and positive way. The love of her profession was only surpassed by her love of children, animals, and family. She is survived by her husband, Robert; four sisters: Emily, Sandy, Janie, and Mary; her son, Joseph; three step-children: Matthew, Jennifer, and Joshua; eleven grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She will be fondly remembered by the men and women of the Simi Valley Police Department who had the opportunity to know and work with her.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2017 at 11:00 am at Kuehl-Nicolay Funeral Home, 1703 Spring St., Paso Robles. A Celebration of Life will follow in the ballroom at Paso Robles Inn, 1103 Spring St., Paso Robles. Arrangements under the direction of Kuehl-Nicolay.