Clarence E. Hamler

In the summer of 1977, a visit to his brother would tragically be the final act in the life of 27-year-old Chattanooga Police Patrolman Clarence E. Hamler. On August 14th, Hamler, a Black/African American male and a four-year veteran of the police force, stopped by the Red Food Store on South Broad Street where his brother worked. What began as a simple visit quickly escalated into a violent confrontation that would cut his life short. Two armed men entered the grocery store with the intent to r ...