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Inspired by law enforcement during his younger days, Ethan Hammon’s dream to serve and protect his community has come full circle as an officer with the Andalusia Police Department.

He became an APD officer on July 31, 2023, and graduated from the Alabama Police Academy’s 178th Session in Selma on Dec. 14. Eight years ago, he graduated from the Dothan Junior Police Academy.

“This is something I’ve always dreamed of doing as a kid growing up,” Hammon said. “The people I look up to highly are in law enforcement. I knew I wanted to be in a position where I could help those in need. With all the negative things I’ve seen in the world about law enforcement, I wanted to try and get people to see it from a different point of view and that it’s not what it seems like online,” he said.

He added that his loved ones had concerns about his position in the beginning.

“My family was a little worried at first because times have changed in this world, but they are proud and happy I’m willing to go out and put my life on the line for others and help those in need. My fellow officers have all been very supportive and have pushed me to be my best at all times. I couldn’t be anymore thankful for our group of fellow officers we have at the department.”

According to Hammon, APD officers are assigned to sectors and rotate each shift. Regardless, safety is of the utmost importance to him at any location he patrols.

“I’ve seen what speeding and illegal things can do to a family. My job is to make sure everyone else, myself included, makes it home safely to their families. For me personally, I want to do my part and make the city and roads a safer place for the community. I would like to be a role model to the younger generation like the older generation has for me. I would like to thank my family, supervisors, and fellow officers for always having my back and pushing me to be the best and accomplish this dream,” he said.

A 2021 Straughn High School alumnus, Ethan is the son of Bridget and Will McVay and Preston and Alisha Hammon. He has five siblings: Konner, Jeremy, Callie Ann, Baylee, and Riley. He is married to his wife Amber with a stepson, Cash.