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Incident
Patrolman Donald Hamby was killed when his patrol car was struck by a suspect's vehicle during a vehicle pursuit. Patrolman Hamby and a reserve officer were assisting the Cullman County Sheriff's Office in the pursuit. The reserve officer riding with Patrolman Hamby was so seriously injured that both of his legs had to be amputated.
Survivors
Patrolman Hamby had served with the agency for 10 years and was survived by his wife and three children.
In Our Keeping
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Patrolman Hamby gave the Hanceville Police Department 10 years.
Thank you for your service to the Hanceville community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Hamby.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Hanceville Police Department has lost 2 officers; 1 of them lost to accidents.
Donald is one of 182 officers lost to accidents in AL, 28.3% of the 643 remembered there.
Donald is one of 8,275 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Donald is one of 10,100 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.8% of the 33,917 remembered here.
33,917 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1985, 3 officers in AL were lost to accidents, the 14th heaviest of 85 years on record. The heaviest was 1970, with 6.
In 1985, 67 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 59th heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 1985, 75 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 66th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Donald was 34. Of the 160 lost to accidents in AL whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 47.3; the middle age was 36.5. Donald had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 7 years.
Donald was 34. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Donald had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Donald was 34. Of the 9,451 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Donald had served 10 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
August holds 8.8% of these deaths in AL; July holds the most, 13.2%. Saturdays: 21.4%.
August holds 9.5% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Saturdays: 14.9%.
August holds 9.3% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Saturdays: 14.7%.
How
Accident deaths account for 50% of all 2 deaths at Hanceville Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 100% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 28.3% of all 643 deaths in AL, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 8.8% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 6.9% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 29.8% of all 33,917 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was automobile, in 5.6% of these deaths.
His people
Hanceville Police Department has 2 officers remembered here, Donald among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 26-W
Others Who Wore This Badge
1 officer from Hanceville Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
