In Memory of Lieutenant Loyd Ray Hamm

Louisiana Loses Officer to COVID

Louisiana authorities were saddened to publicly announce the loss of one of their veteran law enforcement officers. On Monday, November 2, 2020, Lieutenant Loyd Ray Hamm, age 52, died from complications arising from his battle with COVID19. Lieutenant Hamm had given his life and career to protecting his community by working in law enforcement. It is presumed that he came into contact with the virus during his daily duties as an officer. Hamm had worked for 17 years for the Richland Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Lt. Hamm was a family man. He loved working in law enforcement. Hamm dreamed of going into law enforcement and was proud of his achievements. He loved serving the community around him. The community stepped forward to show their respect and honor his sacrifice upon his death. Many law enforcement agencies in the area, including the West Monroe Police Department, Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office, Richland Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana State Police, and many other agencies came together at midnight to escort the body of Lt. Hamm from Glenwood Hospital to his final resting place in Richland Parish.

Richland Parish Sheriff’s Office

The Richland Parish is named for the rich and fertile land of the area. The parish seat and location for the Richland Parish Sheriff’s Office is in Rayville, Louisiana. Rayville was named for John Ray, a local politician from the Monroe area with large amounts of landholdings. The Parish was officially created in September 1868.

Sheriff Gary Gilley is the current leader of the Richland Parish Sheriff’s Office. The officers regularly patrol more than 576 square miles within the Parish and protect more than 20,000 residents. Some of the notable geographical features of Richland Parish include Bayou Macon and Boeuf River.

Family Destroyed by COVID

COVID19 is destroying families across the globe. Lieutenant Loyd Ray Hamm has left behind his wife, five children, and other extended family. Friends, neighbors, and coworkers will help the family celebrate a life well-lived and provide them the support they need in their time of grief.
The IACP or International Association of Chiefs of Police posted comments regarding the loss on their social media. “We send our condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Lieutenant Loyd Ray Hamm, Richland Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana.”

Michael Stuart shared the loss with his followers. “Lieutenant Loyd Hamm died from complications of contracting COVID-19 as the result of a confirmed exposure while on duty. Lieutenant Loyd had served with the Richland Parish Louisiana Sheriff’s Office for 17 years. He is survived by his wife, three children, three grandchildren, mother, and six siblings.”
The Richland Parish Sheriff’s Office posted the following. “RPSO is sad to report the passing of Lieutenant Loyd Hamm, who passed away last night. Loyd was a 15-year veteran of the department, and his passing leaves a great void in our department and Parish. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”

The West Monroe Police Department offered their sincerest gratitude to Lt. Hamm. “WMPD offers condolences and prayers to Lt. Hamm’s wife, Rene, their family, as well as to Sheriff Gilley and the staff at the Richland Parish Sheriff’s Office. Thank you, Sir, for your service.”