R.I.P. Dexter Hammond

So often we forget what it is we are really asking our law enforcement officers to do. We are asking them to protect each and every one of us, to keep us safe, to keep the peace and to uphold the law.....even if it means that they have to pay the ultimate sacrifice.

In the year 2008, 133 officers lost their lives in the line of duty. As of April 29 2009, 44 have done the same. They are all heroes.

Dexter Hammond is a hero. He was 38 years old when he paid the ultimate price on Friday, April 24, 2009. The 16-year veteran ex-police chief, husband, father, son and friend was laid to rest on April 28, 2009. The event was witnessed by a crowd of over 1,000 people including about 400 police officers.

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"There continue to be men as brave as Dexter Hammond who are willing to step in harms way to make sure we are safe. My prayers go out to his family, may God bless them and console them." said Alabama Attorney General Troy King.

"As I visited with Chrissy and Cody and as I look at this headland police badge, it reminds me of the terrible cost at which our safety comes. We are not safe in this state because of an accident; our safety has been paid for by the blood of heroes like Dexter Hammond"

After the service, officers formed a gauntlet as the flag-draped casket was carried out of the building. A friend on Hammond's Harley Davidson led the procession of more than 200 cars to the graveside at the Memorial Garden Cemetery in Eufaula. His leather vest rested on the motorcycle's Plexiglas shield.

Click here for scenes from the funeral. To read and/or contribute reflections on Dexter Hammond click here. To visit the Officers Down Memorial Page click here.

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