In Memory of Corporal Ray Hamilton
On Christmas Eve, December 24, 2022, Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Corporal Ray Hamilton made the ultimate sacrifice while attempting to take a domestic violence suspect into custody at a residence on North Park Blvd. in Fort Walton Beach. Cpl. Hamilton, along with other members of the OCSO Special Response Team, entered an area behind the residence in an effort to establish a safe perimeter. Once they got into position, shots were fired from inside the home and Cpl. Hamilton was struck. He was rushed to HCA Fort Walton Beach-Destin Hospital where he succumbed to his injury shortly after 3 p.m.
Immediately following this tragedy, the OCSO Sheriff's Star Charity began collecting donations to assist Cpl. Hamilton's family in relieving the financial burden they endure as they focus on coping and healing from this tragic loss. Donations may be made via the link below, or mailed or dropped off to the OCSO Sheriff’s Star Charity at the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office Headquarters, 50 2nd St., Shalimar, Florida 32579 (Office hours: Mon-Fri 8AM-4:30PM).
The Board of Directors of the OCSO Sheriff's Star Charity cautions citizens to beware of potential scams which often prey on tragedies like these. At this time, the above methods are the only official donation avenues for the Sheriff's Star Charity.
We would like to express our sincere appreciation for the outpouring of love and support from our wonderful community We ask that you continue to keep Cpl. Hamilton’s family and co-workers in your thoughts and prayers.