Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office, Florida
End of Watch Saturday, December 24, 2022
Reflections for Corporal Ray Charles Hamilton
You were the best human being I ever got the pleasure to know. You would drop what you were doing to help anyone in need. We needed more people like you in this world not less. I know you died doing what you loved and believed in. Thank you for your sacrifice and know it will not be in vain. We will take it from here brother. Rest in peace.
-Be more like Ray-
Detective Chantel Roden
Clark County Sheriff's Office, Wisconsin (Prior Florida LEO)
April 10, 2023
The true measure of a person
is not found in the
might of their arm,
their wealth
or their power –
it is found in the strength
of their character.
There is no greater testimony to
ones character, than ones
willingness to sacrifice all,
in the noble quest of
providing protection to all
whom they serve.
Author Unknown
Javier Cornejo
Police Officer, Retired
City of Milwaukee Police Department
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
February 12, 2023
Thank you for your service and sacrifice. Rest In Peace Corporal Hamilton. Our deepest heartfelt condolences to all of your family, friends, and brothers and sisters at Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office.
Postal Inspector Scott Horne
US Postal Inspection Service
January 13, 2023
My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Corporal Ray Hamilton. I am so sorry for your loss. The service and sacrifice of Corporal Hamilton will not be forgotten.
Deborah C.
Wife, Mother, Aunt of LEOs
Maryland
January 12, 2023
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God"... By all accounts, Ray was a guy I wish I knew before he passed. I know he would have made my life better. This was the last thing I was expecting on Christmas Eve. Little did I know I would have multiple ties to Ray. My sister worked with his widow and they were friends. Ray's Sergeant was an academy classmate of mine.
To Ray's family, friends, coworkers... Ray may be physically gone, but his spirit lives in all of those that had the honor to know him. It was an honor to come pay my respects to this hero. He will never be forgotten. I put together this small tribute to Ray. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l68CqSvGE0s
Lt. David Pienta
Wakulla County Sheriff's Office
January 12, 2023
In Honor of your Sacrifice and for your family and friends, I salute you as a HERO!
"The Badge"
He starts his shift each day
To respond to calls unknown.
He drives a marked patrol car.
A police officer he is known.
He's paid by the citizens' taxes
To make it safe on the streets.
But he usually has a second job
'Cause a waitress has his salary beat.
Now he doesn't know a holiday
'Cause he works all year round.
And when Thanksgiving and Christmas finally arrive
At his home he cannot be found.
He's cursed and assaulted often,
The one whose blood runs blue.
He seldom ever gets a thanks,
To some he's just a fool.
His friends are always other cops
'Cause people just don't understand
That underneath his badge and gun,
He's just another man.
He knows there might not be a tomorrow
In this world of drugs and crime.
And he gets so mad at the court system
'Cause the crooks don't get any time.
And each day when he leaves for work,
He prays to God above.
Please bring me home after my shift
So I can see the ones I love.
But tonight he stops a speeding car,
He's alone down this ole' highway.
It's just a little traffic infraction.
He does it everyday.
Well, he walks up to the driver's window,
And his badge is shining bright.
He asked the guy for a driver's license,
When a shot rang through the night.
Yes, the bullet hit its mark,
Striking the officer in the chest.
But the Department's budget didn't buy
Each officer a bullet-proof vest.
So he lay on the ground bleeding.
His blood wasn't blue - His blood was red.
And briefly he thought of his loved ones
'Cause in a moment the officer was dead.
In the news they told the story
Of how this officer had died.
And some who listened cared less,
But those who loved him cried.
Well, they buried him in uniform
With his badge pinned on his chest.
He even had his revolver,
He died doing his best.
Written By:
David L. Bell
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1993 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission
Investigator David L Bell (Retired)
Richland County Sheriff's Dept.
Columbia, SC
January 8, 2023
RIP Corporal Hamilton. Another brother in blue needlessly killed in line of duty. Condolences to your family and loved one and also your law enforcement family.
Deputy Sheriff (Ret) Glen Allison
Tarrant County S.O. Ft Worth, Texas
January 3, 2023
Rest In Peace Brother.
Det. Andreoli
NYPD-Retired
January 3, 2023
Rest in Peace
A fellow copper
St. Louis Police Department
January 3, 2023
Rest in peace Brother.
Captain A. Hoopes
Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office Va.
January 3, 2023
May this true warrior, Corporal Ray Hamilton rest in Peace, as with all Faithful Departed, through the Mercy of God , now and forever!!
Police Officer Julian Sage
Keego Harbor Police Department
January 2, 2023
Corporal Hamilton, our world is full of evil people, and yet, you dedicated your life to protecting others that they may be safe. Our Lord, who sees all and knows all, will reward you abundantly for your courage, dedication and selfless service. My heart breaks for the sorrow that your loved ones are experiencing. May God immerse you and them in His Divine Mercy. Rest in peace, good and faithful servant.
Jess Espinosa
Civilian
January 2, 2023
Our prayers to the family. Rest in peace.
PO Neumann (Retired)
Suffolk County Police Department NY
December 30, 2022
On behalf of the Klamath County Sheriff's Office in Klamath Falls Oregon, we send our sincerest sympathy in the recent loss of your Corporal, Ray Hamilton, in the line of duty. It is always a huge loss when a fellow Corporal makes the ultimate sacrifice. His bravery and courage to protect and serve your community has not gone unnoticed.
Sheriff Chris Kaber
Klamath County Sheriff's Office
December 30, 2022
I feel how weak and fruitless must be any word of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save. I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.
Yours, very sincerely and respectfully,
Abraham Lincoln
Captain E.Kemmer #050
Nevada Department of Public Safety
December 30, 2022
Rest In Peace Brother
Sgt. CCB (Ret)
USPP
December 30, 2022
Sad. The Justice system is out of control Praying for comfort & peace to his family RIP
Capt. Norman Buckner (Ret0
Marion County Indiana Sheriff's Office
December 30, 2022
May He rest in peace prayers to the family.
ROBERT JENKINS
North Bay Village
December 30, 2022
I had the pleasure of knowing Ray as a teenager. He came to the HS Bible Study and Youth group activities at our church. He wanted to be a LEO from a young age. I had lost contact with him but I see that he achieved his dream. I’m so sad to hear this news and pray that the impact he made on other’s lives will continue on.
Debra Wilkinson, volunteer youth leader
St John Lutheran Church
December 30, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family, friends and co-workers during this difficult time. Your service and ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Thomas H. Kelly Jr.
Assistant Supervisory Air Marshal in Charge (ASAC)
New York Field Office
Federal Air Marshal Service
December 30, 2022
Rest In Peace Brother!!
Undersheriff Victor Manata
Union County Sheriff’s Dept. ( NJ )
December 29, 2022
It takes a special Person to Work this Job. I’m very familiar with Ft Walton and the fine outstanding work the Sheriff’s Department Does in keeping the community safe. My heart breaks for this Young Man He stood in the face of Danger to keep the community safe. God Bless you Officer Hamilton RIP you served with honor Sir May flights of Angels welcome You Home. Thank you Sir for your Service
Mary Lawson
December 29, 2022
Rest in peace
Police officer (retired) Ronald Graef
Nassau County police department
December 29, 2022
My sincere condolences to your family. I’m praying for your family and coworkers. Thank you for your service. Rest In Peace.
Maxine Clifford mother of
Deputy Josh Rutherford EOW 5/29/03
December 28, 2022
Thank you for your service / Rest in eternal peace my friend. My heartfelt condolences to the family.
Florida Highway Patrol
Sergeant of the Patrol (Retired)
Darren Williamson
December 28, 2022
Want even more control of your Reflection? Create a free ODMP account now for these benefits:
- Quick access to your heroes
- Reflections published quicker
- Save a Reflection signature
- View, edit or delete any Reflection you've left in the past