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October 04, 2007
The Force® Brand Names Off-Duty Hero 2007 Positive Force Award Recipient
Utah Police Department Officer to be Honored at International Association of Chiefs of Police Conference
Nashville, Tenn.—The Force®, formerly HORACE SMALL®, a leading public safety uniform brand, announced that it has named Master Officer Ken Hammond of the Ogden City, Utah, Police Department as the recipient of the 3rd annual Positive Force Award. Officer Hammond will be recognized at an award ceremony that will take place in THE FORCE® exhibit at the 114th Annual International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) conference in New Orleans, La., Oct. 14.
While off-duty, Master Officer Ken Hammond found himself in the midst of a mall shooting, and without concern for his own safety reacted in a split second with fearlessness to contain the shooter and end the rampage.
Officer Hammond was selected from nominations from around the country by an independent and esteemed committee of law enforcement leaders and industry luminaries. Nominees were evaluated on their professional conduct, extreme acts of valor and bravery, dedication to their community and other notable achievements.
“The Force® brand’s ‘Made for Heroes’ philosophy is demonstrated through programs such as the Positive Force Award, which aims to honor public safety professionals who distinguish themselves by going above and beyond the call of duty,” said Aimee Say, marketing manager for The Force® . “Law enforcement officers put their lives in danger every time they put on their uniforms. The sacrifices they make enable us to live better lives, and the Positive Force Award is The Force® brand’s commitment to recognizing these officers as heroes.”
On Feb. 12, 2007, Officer Hammond took his pregnant wife out for an early Valentine’s Day dinner at the Trolley Square Mall in Salt Lake City, Utah. While resting outside the restaurant, they heard gunshots. Officer Hammond immediately instructed his wife to return to the restaurant, lock it down and call 911. Despite the fact that he was in civilian clothes, without a protective vest and armed with only 8 rounds, Officer Hammond sprung into action.
He ran down the mall corridor shouting to the patrons, “Ogden City Police! OPD! Get Down! Get Back!” Gun drawn and in plain clothes, he wanted the patrons in the mall to know he was not a threat.
After observing a number of seriously injured people on the ground level of the mall, Hammond saw the suspect with a shotgun and .38-caliber pistol. The officer attracted the attention of the suspect and exchanged shots with him until back-up arrived. At that point, Officer Hammond worked with the Salt Lake City Police and SWAT departments to take the suspect down.
Although five lives were taken and several injured by the suspect prior to Officer Hammond’s involvement, his quick response and action undoubtedly saved the lives of many others.
“Going in and engaging a suspect without having the benefit of a uniform, extra equipment or magazines for his firearm is truly heroic,” said Salt Lake City Police Chief Chris Burbank of Officer Hammond’s actions.
At IACP, Hammond will be presented with a check for $5,000 for personal use and $5,000 for the charity of his choice, Primary Children's Center in Salt Lake City. The ceremony will take place at 2:00-3:00p.m. at booth #4629.
About The Force®
Outfitting law enforcement and public safety heroes for more than 65 years, the Horace Small® brand has transformed into The Force®, Made for Heroes™ brand. Building on the quality and reputation of the Horace Small brand, The Force combines groundbreaking technical design, innovative fabrics, practical features, comfort, durability and professional appearance and evolves into an unparalleled brand designed specifically for the 21st century law enforcement officer.
Committed to serving America’s most-dedicated heroes in law enforcement, The Force aims to grow the Positive Force Award into an annual tradition to increase respect and recognition for America’s true heroes.
About VF Imagewear
VF Imagewear is a subsidiary of VF Corporation (NYSE:VFC), with two primary businesses: Image and Activewear. The Image apparel business provides a broad array of uniforms and protective apparel to corporate customers, government and public safety agencies, service businesses and industrial laundries. The Activewear business markets branded apparel under agreements with licensors such as the National Football League (NFL), Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Hockey League (NHL), the NCAA, leading Colleges under the ESPN College GameDay brands, NASCAR and Harley-Davidson.
VF Corporation is a global leader in lifestyle apparel with a diverse portfolio of jeanswear, outdoor, imagewear, sportswear and contemporary apparel brands. Its principal brands include Wrangler, Lee, Riders, The North Face, Vans, Reef, Eagle Creek, Eastpak, JanSport, Napapijri, Nautica, Kipling, John Varvatos, 7 For All Mankind®, lucy®, Majestic®, Lee Sport and Red Kap.
VF Corporation's press releases, annual report and other information can be accessed through the Company's home page, www.vfc.com.
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