The Force, formerly Horace Small, a public safety uniform brand, has named Master Officer Ken Hammond of the Ogden City (Utah) Police Department as the recipient of this year's Positive Force Award.
While off duty, Master Officer Ken Hammond found himself in the midst of a mall shooting, and without concern for his own safety reacted to contain the shooter and end the rampage.
Hammond was selected from nominations from around the country by an independent committee of law enforcement and industry leaders. Nominees were evaluated on their professional conduct, extreme acts of valor and bravery, dedication to their community, and other notable achievements.
"The Force uniform brand's 'Made for Heroes' philosophy is demonstrated through programs such as the Positive Force Award, which aims to honor public safety professionals who distinguish themselves by going above and beyond the call of duty," says Aimee Say, marketing manager for The Force.
On Feb. 12, 2007, Hammond took his pregnant wife out for an early Valentine's Day dinner at the Trolley Square Mall in Salt Lake City, Utah. While resting outside the restaurant, they heard gunshots. Hammond immediately instructed his wife to return to the restaurant, lock it down, and call 911. Despite the fact that he was in civilian clothes, without a protective vest and armed with only eight rounds, Hammond sprang into action.
He ran down the mall corridor shouting to the patrons, "Ogden City Police! OPD! Get Down! Get Back!" Gun drawn and in plain clothes, he wanted the patrons in the mall to know he was not a threat.
After observing a number of seriously injured people on the ground level of the mall, Hammond saw the suspect with a shotgun and .38-caliber pistol. The officer attracted the attention of the suspect and exchanged shots with him until back-up arrived. At that point, Hammond worked with the Salt Lake City Police and SWAT departments to take the suspect down.
Although five lives were taken and several injured by the suspect prior to Hammond's involvement, his quick response and action undoubtedly saved the lives of many others.
Along with his award, Hammond will be presented with a check for $5,000 for personal use and $5,000 for the charity of his choice, Primary Children's Center in Salt Lake City.
For more on Officer Hammond's story, see Shots Fired in the May 2007 issue of POLICE.
For more information about The Force and its Positive Force Award program visit www.theforceonline.com.