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Incident
Patrolman J. Hammett and Acting Chief of Police Albert DeLoach were shot and killed in a restaurant by the proprietor around 5:00 a.m. The man became angry and shot both officers when Chief DeLoach warned one of his customers to leave town, or she would go to jail. The suspect surrendered to the local sheriff shortly thereafter. The suspect was charged with two counts of murder. In his trial of the murder of Patrolman Hammett, he was convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 9 years and 11months in prison.
Survivors
Patrolman Hammett was survived by his wife and five children.
In Our Keeping
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- 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 Hammett served with the Childersburg Police Department.
Thank you for your service to the Childersburg community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Patrolman Hammett.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Felonious
Childersburg Police Department has lost 5 officers; 3 of them killed feloniously.
John is one of 405 officers killed feloniously in AL, 63% of the 643 remembered there.
John is one of 15,743 officers killed feloniously in the United States, 57.1% of the 27,552 remembered there.
John is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously worldwide, 51.7% of the 34,103 remembered here.
34,103 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 1942, 3 officers in AL were killed feloniously, the 52nd heaviest of 131 years on record. The heaviest was 1918, with 10.
In 1942, 82 officers in the United States were killed feloniously, the 78th heaviest of 213 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 248.
In 1942, 120 officers worldwide were killed feloniously, the 49th heaviest of 265 years on record. The heaviest was 1921, with 516.
Who
John was 48. Of the 344 killed feloniously in AL whose age is recorded, half were between 32 and 49; the middle age was 40.
John was 48. Of the 14,219 killed feloniously in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 47; the middle age was 38.
John was 48. Of the 15,853 killed feloniously worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 30 and 46; the middle age was 38.
When
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in AL; September holds the most, 9.9%. Wednesdays: 11.9%.
December holds 9.4% of these deaths in the United States, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 12.9%.
December holds 9.2% of these deaths worldwide, more than any other month. Wednesdays: 13.2%.
How
Felonious deaths account for 60% of all 5 deaths at Childersburg Police Department, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 66.7% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 63% of all 643 deaths in AL, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 19.8% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 57.1% of all 27,552 deaths in the United States, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 23.4% of these deaths.
Felonious deaths account for 51.7% of all 34,103 deaths worldwide, the most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 20.9% of these deaths.
His people
Childersburg Police Department has 5 officers remembered here, John among them.
Where the Name Is Cut
Others Who Wore This Badge
4 officers from Childersburg Police Department are honored on badge.nw.
