Seventeen years after his passing, the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station is still remembering Deputy Randy Hamson.

On Friday, the station shared the following message in honor of Hamson’s End of Watch:

 

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“Today, we remember and honor LASD Deputy Randy Hamson. Deputy Hamson was assigned to the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station when he was struck by a vehicle during a traffic collision investigation on Sierra Highway. He sadly succumbed to his injuries on October 24, 2008. He had served 5 years with the Sheriff’s Department.”

Randy Jay Hamson joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in March 1999, graduating from the Sheriff’s Academy that August. After several years at Pitchess Detention Center – East Facility, Hamson began patrol service at the Santa Clarita Valley Station in 2003.

On the night of Aug. 16, 2004, while investigating a hit-and-run traffic collision on a poorly lit stretch of Sierra Highway south of Soledad Canyon Road, Hamson attempted to alert a driver traveling without headlights.

In a split second, he was struck by another vehicle approaching from behind. The collision left him with severe head trauma and other injuries that would prove life-altering. The driver of the vehicle that struck Randy never saw him before the collision occurred.

For four years, Hamson remained in a coma as he fought to recover with the support of his family, colleagues, and the wider Santa Clarita community.

On Oct.24, 2008, Hamson succumbed to his injuries at the age of 36.

The Sheriff’s Department described him at the time as “a diligent and hard-working deputy… admired and respected by his fellow protectors and the community.”

Hamson was laid to rest with full honors at Eternal Valley Memorial Park.

Deputy Hamson was the third deputy in the Santa Clarita Valley Station’s history to die in the line of duty. He is survived by his wife, Cindy, their three children, his parents, and two brothers.

Cindy said that what Randy always wanted to do was protect and serve the public.

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