Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I don't remember it but my mother told me that at the age of 3 months Officer Hamler preformed CPR on me and save my life we lived on Doddson Ave around Daisy St at that time I was born March of 1977 my mother gave me a scrap book she made of Offier Hamler but I lost it in a house fire and my mother passed away July 2024 I became an EMT in 2004 and a paramedic in 2014 serving till 2019 when I finally had to give up due to back surgery in 2014 then I worked for City of Chattanooga Public Works till 2023

Curtiss Harris

December 6, 2024

Officer Hamler used to come though our neighborhood when I was a kid in the mid 70s. Used to open his car up and let us see all the neat things inside and let us turn on his lights and siren. He was one of my heroes when I was a kid and one of the reasons I wanted to become a police officer. Thirty-two years of serving my community…I’m still glad I did it. Thankful for his service.

Patrolman
Lookout Mountain GA Pd/Fire

August 2, 2024

Thank you for your service. RIP sir.

Retired First Sergeant Thomas Webb
New York State Police - Troop "D"

December 30, 2023

Rest in peace knowing that your memory, service and sacrifice will never, ever be forgotten by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 14, 2020

Rest in peace Patrolman Hamler.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

December 26, 2019

I am thankful for you in 2016 Officer Hamler. Without your mark on this world and your sacrifices and contributions...I would never have met your wonderful son. He has been a light in my darkness and a reflection of kindness & truth when I needed it most. He is a man of worth and something that reflects true character. Thank you to a true hero.

anonymous

January 6, 2016

To fully appreciate the heroes of the present, we must recognize our heroes of the past. Your heroism and service is honored today, the 76th anniversary year of your death. I am priviliged to be among the first to leave a tribute to you. 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 Lasater Loya
mom of fallen Pittsburg (CA) officer Larry Lasater

February 21, 2013

Rest in God's loving embrace, hero. You will never be forgotten.

Wisconsin L.E.O.

August 14, 2012

I will forever be grateful to Patrolman Hamler for saving my brothers life. Just two months before Patrolman Hamler's death he answered an emergency call that my mother made - my three month old brother had stopped breathing. Patrolman Hamler was the first person to arrive, he saw that my brother wasn't breathing and began CPR until paramedics arrived - if he had not, my brother would have never survived - that is what the doctors said. When we heard of Patrolman Hamlers death just two months later we grieved for his family - he had given us a precious gift and then lost his. My family went to the memorial - we did not know his family but we knew we wanted to pay respect to a true Hero! My mom told my brother about Patrolman Hamler and how he gave him the gift of life - my brother grew into a fine man - he is a paramedic and a volunteer fireman - he wants to make a difference just like his Hero did! To his family - we are eternally grateful. The Harris Family

Anonymous

December 1, 2010

Officer Hamler used to patrol my neighborhood when I was a kid. I loved when he used to pull to the roadside and let me take a peek inside his cruiser. He was the first police officer I felt like I "knew". I thought he was so cool...and he was. He was one of the reasons I became a cop myself.

Special Agent Wes Barrett
Federal Air Marshal Service

March 20, 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

January 29, 2008

Patrolman Hamler,
Today is the 30th. anniversary of your EOW. Thank you for serving the state of Tennessee with ultimate dedication. Our thoughts are with your family today as they remember you.

Pennsylvania citizen

August 14, 2007

Today marks the 30th anniversary of your brutal and tragic murder. I was a police dispatcher at the time and remember reading the GLAW - BOLO message we got over the teletype. It sent chills up my spine; partly because of how close to home it was and partly because your brother was able to return fire and kill one of the bad guys. May your family take comfort in knowing that you will NEVER be forgotten and will FOREVER be a hero!

Detective Sergeant 1st Class
AR

August 14, 2007

Rest in peace brother. Yuor bravery will never be forgotten

Deputy Rod Hamler
Fairfield County S.O.

September 3, 2006

Rest in peace, Sir! You are not forgotten.

Police Officer
Chattanooga, TN

March 25, 2006

God bless you my brother. Your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten by your brothers and sisters in blue.

Mickey Rountree
Hamilton County Sheriff's Dept.