Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My Brother,

It is coming up on 20 years now since you were taken from us. I still wear your memorial band everyday. I still have the picture of you from the IPWG in Reno when you won "Best Goalie" award. When they blessed me with that same award in 1996 after it had been named after you, I cried. So did the rest of our team. There isn't a day that goes by that we don't remember you with a smile...whether talking about your cars, motorcycle, cigars, or that ugly pink skull cap you used to wear. My 7 year old daughter knows your story well, and knows you were Daddy's friend. Thanks for taking care of us all down here as we carry on the work you loved so much. Next Saturday, the old LA Bullets will call each others and relive our best stories about the "Hammer." We will toast you with Jack and cigars, laugh and cry, then laugh some more. Keep that ice ready in Heaven my friend. I hope you won't mind splitting the net time with me, just like the old days...We love you.

Sgt. Gerry Velona
LASD/ IDT..LA Bullets

May 6, 2012

Rich,
I was in Washington D.C this week to observe the candlelight vigil at the National Law Enforcement Memorial. I thought of you and even scratched your name on one of those papers from the memorial wall.

You will never be forgotten. The station is constructing it's own memorial patio and it is all for you!

It's been 19 years since you were taken from us. I remember it like yesterday. Rest in Peace, brother!

Brian

Sgt. Brian Jones
LASD

May 14, 2011

I have grown up in the Antelope Valley and have a great appreciation for the officers who serve this area. I did not know Officer Hammack personally but he did influence my life quite a bit. I am actually the oldest (of 5) children left behind the day he passed away while trying to do his job at our house. I'd like to take a moment and say that, 18 years later, the pain remains, however, I appreciate him as an officer of the law, for doing his job no matter what the cost. And to his son - Robert, I lost my dad that day as well, however my dad was not on the right side of the law at that point in time (was a wonderful dad, and overall person). I hope to someday be able to check the facts completely since I was not present, I was at school in 3rd grade. Through it all, good prevails, and I'm just expressing my gratitude and condolences to his family.

Anonymous

July 3, 2010

Another year has passed, but today it was still shown here at Palmdale Station that Richard will never be forgotten. A nice dedicated ceremony in rememberance of 05/11/1992. Keep looking over us all and know we work in your honor my friend.

Sergeant Mark Johnston
LASD/Palmdale Station

May 11, 2010

Rich, 18 years has passed since you left us. We have not forgotten and we never will. RIP Hammer!

SGT. BRIAN JONES
LASD

May 11, 2010

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.

Anonymous

May 11, 2010

Rest in Peace, Deputy Hammack. Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Officer 11169

October 23, 2009

Dad,
It's been a long time since you were taken away from the world. For years I've learned of how great of a man you were and loved what he did. I'm 17 now dad and life has been a big experiance for me already. Mom is doing great and is still as cooky as always hahaha lol. I'm sorry I haven't said anything here sooner but I feel as if it wasn't time, like I wasn't ready, I am now. You will never know how many lives you've saved, changed and guided in the year dad. I am forever proud to call you Father!!!!!!!!! I love you dad. Stand with Pride and Serve with Honor.

In forever love,
Richard

Richard
his only son

October 14, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the seventeenth anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

May 11, 2009

Rich,

I can not believe it has been sixteen years since you were stolen from us. It seems like yesterday we were walking the compound at PHR-Medium and wondering how long it would take us to transfer out to patrol. A lot has changed since then but your spirit and friendship will never be forgotten.

Deputy Mike Ascolese
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

July 22, 2008

Rich,
We are honoring you today at the station. We have not forgotten, and we never will.

Brian

Sgt. Brian Jones
LASD/FRIEND

May 14, 2008

Lost but never will you be forgotten.
Love you "HAMMER"!

Deputy J. Hammack
Kern Co. Sheriffs Dept./ Nephew

May 9, 2008

"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 whos 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
Sergeant
Richland County Sheriff's Department
Columbia, South Carolina
Used with Special Permission of the Author
Copyright © 1999 - All Rights Reserved
and may not be duplicated without permission

Investigator David L Bell
Richland County Sheriff's Dept., Columbia, SC

September 12, 2007

G-d Bless.

May 11, 2007

WE HAVEN'T FORGOTTEN BROTHER. RIP

LASD

May 10, 2007

May we all enter the fight against meth...the real killer in this tragedy!!!! Hammer you will never be forgotten!!

TC
LASD

October 6, 2006

rich.
14 years ago today, hard to belive that you were taken from us. your name comes up frequently with the fellows. If there is anything positive out of this targity you should know even that you are gone your life continues as you will always be remebered by your friends...As you always use to tell us the only easy day was yesturday
rest in peace brother

deputy JK Kiess
lasd retireed

May 12, 2006

REAST IN PEACE BROTHER. YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN.

LASD/EAST LA STATION

May 11, 2006

I never forget Rich - always had a fist full of cigars and a big smile on his face. The last time I saw him he had both, and that is how I will remember him.
Dep. Hammack is sorely missed

Deputy Mark Divis
Los Angeles County Sheriff

March 28, 2006

Rich was one of the best guys I ever met . I can not share our bests times or laughs. I met him in 1989 while we worked at the Lancaster Station his big cigars and that out of policy mustache was his trade mark.

I would only say that anyone who did never meet the "HAMMER" missed a great individual.....luv ya bud "JK"

John
Los Angeles County Sheriff

June 8, 2004

Today all of our shifts are dedicated to the memory of Deputy Richard Hammack. 12 years ago this day he paid with his life in the never ending pusuit of justice. He is a hero and is remembered by us.

OMY/COP/WPD
5/11/04

Chief of Police Olen M. Young
Wauneta PD Nebraska

May 11, 2004

Rich was a very well liked deputy and person. He rode with me as a sheriff's cadet while I was stationed at Firestone. On that one night he rode with me, he continued to keep the spirit of law enforcement alive, even up to the day of his unscheduled departure. Rich will always be remembered by all of those who knew him, or knew of him. He was that kind of person.

Sergeant Tommy Carter
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department

Rest in peace. Thank you for your service.

Inv. Michael Walker
Tallahassee Police Department