Emergency responders honor Hamann
Local emergency responders honored former Marquette Police Chief and Clayton County Sheriff Bob Hamann with a drive by parade on June 24. (Photos by Audrey Posten)
From the driveway of his Marquette home, Hamann smiled and waved as the vehicles passed.
Following the parade, area law enforcement stopped by to greet Hamann.
By Audrey Posten, Times-Register
Local emergency responders honored former Marquette Police Chief and Clayton County Sheriff Bob Hamann with a drive by parade on June 24. From the driveway of his Marquette home, Hamann smiled and waved at the law enforcement, fire department and EMS members—as well as many friends—as they cruised past with lights and sirens activated, horns honking and heartfelt signs hanging from their vehicle doors.
“It’s heartwarming,” said Hamann, who was choked with emotion as the final vehicles passed. “I really appreciate it.”
Hamann’s life has been all about service. The Marquette native was in law enforcement for over 37 years, in addition to volunteering 29 years on the fire department and over 20 with the rescue squad.
They’re roles he was happy to fill.
“Small communities run on volunteers,” he said. “There’s no way we could afford to pay a full ambulance service or fire department. Law enforcement get paid, but not close to what they’re worth. They’re still out here helping people, though.”
Hamann said he started his career as a police officer in McGregor, later working in Garnavillo and Strawberry Point, then back to his hometown. He was a criminal investigator for the Clayton County Sheriff’s Office for 10 years before taking over as sheriff for eight.
“We handled everything the big cities did—everything from murders down to vandalism and traffic violations. We just didn’t have the amount of it,” Hamann shared. “There are a lot of memories.”
He’s appreciative of the job law enforcement do these days in a changing environment.
“Back when we copped, it was a whole different story than it is nowadays. I really respect these guys and the stuff they put up with,” Hamann said.
“Then there’s the fire department. They give up their time,” he added. “When that fire alarm goes off, they’re gone. It’s the same with the ambulance. They go out and drag people out of ditches. They’re there for anything you need them for, and they have a lot of training they have to take.”
Looking back on his years of service, Hamann said it’s the people he remembers most.
“We have lovely people in this county, and I couldn’t be more proud to work for the people of this county. This county backs their emergency personnel,” he reflected.
