Officer Ken Hammond: Two Sides to Every Story

One gentle reader expresses her regret that Officer Hammond's side of the story remains untold

By Dorrene Jeske

There is an excellent letter to the editor in this morning’s Standard Examiner by Janet Rabe.

I agree with her that one mistake does not undo the good things that one has done. Ogden PD has lost a fine and courageous police officer. Officer Hammond has been an exemplary officer who was accused of allegedly using excessive force in arresting a couple.

There are always two sides to every story. That is one reason the Council voted to pass the resolution to retain the Civil Service Commission to protect the Ogden City police officers and firefighters who risk their lives every day that they report to duty. I and a friend lobbied legislators during the legislative session to not support the bill that Mayor Godfrey had sponsored by his cousin, Senator Scott Jenkins, that tried to do away with that protection. I do not condone the use of force, but realistically I am sure there are times when it is necessary especially in our drug-using society.

I regret that Officer Hammond was not able to give his side of the story and that consideration of his heroic and dedicated service was not taken into account by the investigating committee.