Photos provided by Karen Hammelev Spence
The eldest son and daughter , Rob and Sharon , followed in their father ’ s footsteps working for the Santa Clara County Sheriff ’ s Office . Sharon , as a correctional officer , and Rob as a deputy sheriff . “ I pray that we lived up to the values and ethics our dad instilled in us ,” Sharon Hammelev-Paula said .
Sharon added , “ Our father believed and taught us , his children , to treat others as we would want to be treated and that you must first give respect in order to receive it . Harry was a defender of the weak and misunderstood . He believed every human being had personal worth and a positive side .”
Many times , when confronted with individuals who chose a path outside the law , Harry made every effort to help and redirect these individuals . His actions were not in vain .
“ Sometimes these same individuals would show up at our front door asking my dad to speak to , and counsel , their teenager or to ask for guidance for themselves ,” Sharon said . “ Dad ’ s name , address , and phone number were always listed in the phone book .”
Although he worked in a variety of assignments throughout his years on the job , the role of patrolman was his true passion and fit Harry to a tee .
“ He was tremendously popular with the folks who lived on his beat , which included most of South County ,” Rob said . “ He was a master at ‘ Community Policing ,’ long before the phrase was commonly known .”
Finesse and the power of persuasion was Harry ’ s style
of law enforcement . His Double-H philosophy , help , don ’ t harass , is proof of that . “ In some ways , Harry conducted himself like a California version of Sheriff Andy Griffith ,” Rob added .
Harry was instrumental in founding the Santa Clara County Sheriff ’ s Mounted Unit , where he regularly rode his horse , “ Sheik ” in department functions . His love of cultural diversity resulted in his honorary membership into the Santa Clara County Charro ’ s Association ( a branch of the US Charro Association – a Mexican Horseman ’ s group whose mission is to preserve and pass on the traditions of Charreria – the forerunner of American Rodeo dating back to the 16th century , and the National sport of Mexico .) When off duty , the patriarch gathered his children and headed to town .
“ On the weekends he ’ d let my mom sleep in and would pack us all in his truck and take us down to get donuts and hot chocolate over at the Snow White in Gilroy ,” Karen said .” We always say my dad ruined it for all of us girls . My dad gave my mom everything she needed . He treated her like a queen .”
Karen ’ s favorite memory of her father took place while she was recovering in the hospital from a ruptured appendix . She was eleven years old at the time .
“ Dad would come in every morning in his uniform and bring a dozen donuts for the nurses , and he would sit with me ,” Karen said , her voice cracking . “ I looked forward to every morning because I knew I was going to see him . It was a special , special time in my life . He would
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