Fair Bluff honors law enforcement hero nearly 50 years after his death

FAIR BLUFF, NC (WWAY) — A new memorial was unveiled Wednesday honoring a Columbus County police officer who died in the line of duty nearly 50 years ago.

Assistant Police Chief Lenneau Hammond was killed on October 15, 1976, while responding to a bank robbery in Fair Bluff. Three armed men had robbed the bank, and Hammond pursued the suspects.

During the pursuit, Hammond’s vehicle collided with another car on the North Carolina 904 Bridge over the Lumber River as he tried to avoid a driver backing up in the road. Hammond died from his injuries, and fellow officer Brady Powell Jr. was also hurt. The suspects were later captured about two miles south of Highway 74, between Fairmont and Lumberton.

Local officials, law enforcement, and members of the Fair Bluff Chamber of Commerce attended the memorial unveiling. Al Leonard of the Chamber said Hammond “gave his life while trying to restore order and protect the peace.”

Fair Bluff Mayor Billy Hammond, the officer’s son, called the ceremony long overdue.

“He believed in family discipline, but he also believed in his job in law enforcement and treating everybody like he wanted to be treated,” Mayor Hammond said.

Hammond says the memorial stands as a lasting tribute to Hammond’s dedication to his community and his ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.