Oct 2023. Blues Vol 39 No. 10

AROUND THE COUNTRY ST.

AROUND THE COUNTRY ST. TAMMANY PARISH, LA. Deputy Sheriff Mary Mayo succumbed to injuries sustained on June 13th, 2007, when a large tree fell on the patrol car she was riding in. ST. TAMMANY PARISH, LA. – Deputy Sheriff Mary Mayo succumbed to injuries sustained on June 13th, 2007, when a large tree fell on the patrol car she was riding in. The incident occurred as she and her fiance, Sergeant Beau Raimer, were participating in a funeral procession for Deputy Hilery Mayo (no relation), who was killed in the line of duty four days earlier. The procession was traveling along West 21st Avenue through Covington when a violent thunderstorm with devastating rain and winds developed. A large pine tree fell onto the patrol car as it passed South Johnson Street. The tree crushed the top of the patrol car and killed Sergeant Raimer instantly. Deputy Mayo suffered a severed spinal cord that caused her to become paralyzed from the chest down. She underwent years of rehabilitation and was able to return to the sheriff’s office as a dispatcher for a short time, however, complications from her injuries caused her to become bedridden. She succumbed to her injuries 16 years later on September 21st, 2023. Deputy Mayo had served with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s DEPUTY MARY MAYO Office for two years at the time of the crash. We are ready for 2023! Experience the only first responder owned and operated THEME studio in the Country! 10 years strong! We are Family! We look forward to seeing you soon! 36 The BLUES

AROUND THE COUNTRY EDGEWOOD, TX. Texas Police Chief David Hammonds was found dead in office. EDGEWOOD, Texas – The chief with the Edgewood Police Department in Texas was found dead in his office, multiple law enforcement sources confirmed Monday evening. Chief David Hammonds has died, according to a Facebook announcement by the Van Police Department, as well as a statement from the Wills Point Police Department, reported KETK. The chief was in good spirits the day before his death, and he was found in his office by Lieutenant Robert Dearing. The two men had worked together for many years, according to WJHG. The Van Police Department expressed condolences to the Hammonds’ family in a public statement. “The Van Police Department would like to extend our condolences to the Hammond’s Family. Nancy, David was one of a kind! Our prayers go to the Hammond’s Family, the Edgewood Police Department and the citizens. Wills Point Police Department said Hammonds served in law enforcement and in the community for several decades. “Tonight, we ask for prayers for the Hammonds family and everyone with the City of Edgewood. Chief Hammonds was not only a great man with decades dedicated to law enforcement, but he was also actively involved in the community!!! We will miss you sir.” Edgewood City Administrator Petra Marley said Hammonds’ death was a sudden shock to the community, and that he passed away doing what he loved. Although Marley was unable to confirm a cause of death, he believed it was due to natural causes. Edgewood is a small town of less than 2,000 residents located about 60 miles east of Dallas. The BLUES 37