Paramedic Gerald B. “Garry” Hammer

I worked with Garry back in the 1980s. I worked at LaGrange Hospital and then LaGrange EMS out of Shipshewana. Garry was one of those guys who was straight forward when it came to any part of Emergency Medical Service. I am not the least bit surprise of Garry's career listings. I am sure each of those units will miss him more than he would have ever known. He had a great sense of humor and a huge smile that warmed up a room. My condolences to Garry's family, Aeros, friends and co-workers. Rest In Peace Garry and know I miss you......

Our hearts go out to Pam and all the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

My prayers go out to Garry's personal and EMS family. He was an experienced EMS educator and paramedic, and will be missed by both his family, community, and state. That kind of experience can't be replaced.

Lots of people knew Garry as a Paramedic and Instructor but I was able to know Garry as a father figure. I know very few people that were able to call him Pop's and not make him grumble a little but know for a fact that I could get away with it. He not only help to make me a better EMT he also helped me with several life changing events and most recently with the passing of my father. Garry was a great man and it was always great to know that he accepted me as his unofficial son. Garry I am glad I was their for you just like I was for my dad!! I think you would have been proud of us for putting the skills you instructed us to use. Pop's I will miss you so much and can't wait to walk with you and my Dad in God's beautiful city!!!

Garry, my friend, mentor, co-worker, teacher, and all around good guy. You have touched my life in so many ways. I will always be grateful for you and the things you brought to my life. You made me laugh, cry, get indignant at inadequacies, be passionate about EMS, and most of all challenge me to be the best that I could be, all the while doing it with compassion and caring. I remember all the times we would tease, when you would come to a class or presentation and have your purple "Barney" outfit on. You looked good guy, but we certainly didn't want you to know that! We all were able to laugh and share at your expense and you just smirked at us. I think you knew the guys were all jealous that you could step outside your comfort level and be different. I remember the non-threatening way you imparted your knowledge. You could have easily intimidated

many EMS people, but that was never your goal, you only wanted them to learn and be better medics. Education and knowledge were passions for you, almost as much as patient care. I remember us working side by side at a particular scene, we knew it wasn't a good situation, but we dug in and worked together as a team. Even though the outcome eventually wasn't what we wanted, we commiserated and reviewed what we had done and in the end, we both knew we gave it our best. You made a special point of coming to my office to check on me later that week when you brought a pt. to Parkview. See, that's how you were, you took time to make sure the little things were always a priority. You always cared. So today, we are sitting here trying to figure out how something like this could happen. There is no reasoning on why on how God choses his Angels. We are sad and feel the loss of someone we loved, respected and will miss. Today and in the coming days, I will feel sad and miss you, but I will have all these wonderful memories to help me get through the loss. And today I laughed, thinking of all the times we taught PHTLS classes and would look at each other during a lecture and smile with an inside joke. You did such a good job telling jokes with a straight face that many times I didn't know it was a joke until you got that smirk on your face! So Garry, this isn't goodbye because we will meet again. To your family, words don't seem enough right now, but I hope they can feel my deep sympathy and heartfelt caring. I pray for God to surround them and comfort them, knowing that you are safe in his arms. God Bless the Hammer family.

Garry was a great medic and friend. His skills and knowledge will be greatly missed. R.I.P. my friend.

I grew up on Maple st and Kenny Hammer moved in next door. Didn't know Garry all that well he was busy probably working on his EMT license to help people in need. Its no surprise that Garry was the best of the best.

My dad had a heart attack back in the early 90's and Garry was on duty when they were gonna transport dad to Ft. Wayne.Garry demanded that he have they special drugs on hand during transport that they use to bring back critical heart patients. Well thank GOD he waited for the drugs ...cause my dad died on the way to the Ft. Wayne hospital, and they stopped and brought him back to life. We got to spend 10 more years with my dad before he past away and Ill always be grateful to GARRY HAMMER for that! My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

My thoughts and prayers to Garry's family. Garry was an great Paramedic and teacher. He was also a jokester. He could make anyone laugh!

May you rest in peace Gary. It's been years sence I've seen you but always have remembered you and your family. You will be missed

I am so sorry for your loss. The friends and family of Paramedic Hammer will be in my prayers.