WASHINGTON - The economy has hit again, as 200 Hawk One security guards in D.C. are now out of a job.

The company fired 200 of its 1,100 officers who guard D.C. government facilities, from police headquarters to public works lots containing heavy equipment.

Monday was the deadline for laid-off Hawk One employees to turn in their work-related belongings.

Billy club in hand, laid-off employee Dayo Johnson rode the elevator to turn in his equipment and pick up his last check. "I have five kids, I don't have another job...," he said.

In the hallway outside the Hawk One offices, there was more misery as the guards who are still employed, moved to lock the doors.

"[How is] the next person supposed to live for the next month, when they [are] paying rent, ain't got no money cause they took their job," lamented Regina Thomas, a laid-off security guard.

Meanwhile, Hawk One insisted the city ordered the cuts. "They're the ones that have the answer to the question you're looking for," noted Richard Walker, a Hawk One supervisor.

A city source said there were too many armed guards doing jobs that could be done for cheaper by receptionists and security cameras.

Some former employees also said they were bumped by others with more seniority. "Friday after I got to work I was just told to turn in my uniforms Monday, I no longer had a job," said James Benbow.

"It's two weeks before Christmas," added laid-off security guard Allison Campbell. "What are these people supposed to do?"

 Email To Friend           Digg It!