Tyler Hammond
State Traffic Officer
California Highway Patrol
3/25/1965
Special Service Award (Silver)
![Silver Medal of Valor](images/photos/medal_of_valor_silver.jpg)
In March, 1965, in the Culver City area of Los Angeles County, Officer Tyler Hammond single-handedly captured an armed bank robber. Officer Hammond, a 17-year veteran of the California Highway Patrol, captured one of two gunmen who held up a bank at Selma Ave. and Santa Monica Blvd., who were fleeing the scene with $50,000. Officer Hammond disregarded the potential danger and deadly consequences of a point-blank gunfire battle at the entrance to a crowed hotel when he confronted the armed bank robber and without additional assistance, apprehended one of the suspects. He performed an extraordinary act of heroism, at great risk to his safety and life, and no doubt was completely responsible in saving the lives of innocent bystanders in the streets in and around the scene of the crime. Officer Hammond is the embodiment of a true hero in service to the people of the state of California.