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Charity Fish Fry raises $20,000 for family of Corporal Ray Hamilton as nearly 1,500 show up to support

On Sunday, January 22, 2023, Dewey Destin’s Seafood Restaurant held a Charity Fish Fry at the Northwest Florida Fairgrounds in honor of Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Corporal Ray Hamilton, who was killed in the line of duty on Christmas Eve.  In a video uploaded by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, Parker Destin spoke about the event, along with Hamilton’s wife and […]

On Sunday, January 22, 2023, Dewey Destin’s Seafood Restaurant held a Charity Fish Fry at the Northwest Florida Fairgrounds in honor of Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Corporal Ray Hamilton, who was killed in the line of duty on Christmas Eve. 

  • The event was a huge success, with an estimated 1,500 people showing up to support the cause and raise approximately $20,000 for OCSO Star Charities.

In a video uploaded by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, Parker Destin spoke about the event, along with Hamilton’s wife and Chief Deputy Ken LaPee.

“I knew that if we created an environment where folks had the opportunity to show up and let the men and women in uniform know, including Corporal Hamlin’s family, that they care and that they would show up, and that’s a true testament to this,” said Parker Destin, event organizer. “I think every man and woman who puts on the uniform knows that they’re duty bound to go into harm’s way on our behalf. I think that creates a reciprocal duty on us as the community to care for them in the event of a tragedy to help them try to put their lives back together.”

The outpouring of compassion and support was not lost on Corporal Hamilton’s family. His wife, Renee Hamilton, said “I’m completely overwhelmed and grateful for all the support the community has given us.”

OCSO Chief Deputy Ken LaPee also expressed his gratitude for the community’s support, stating “You drive down the road in the pouring rain and we see the parking lot. It brings tears to your eyes to see how this community comes together and show their level of support in a great loss, but man, what a silver lining to see the love and the people just surrounding us at the Sheriff’s office, Renee and her family, and it’s amazing. We live in a great place. I’m so proud of our community.”

Overall, the Charity Fish Fry was a powerful demonstration of the community’s love and support for the men and women in uniform who put their lives on the line to protect us. The event was a fitting tribute to the memory of Corporal Ray Hamilton and a shining example of the kindness and generosity of the people of Okaloosa County.

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Community Comments

“The Big U! The NMU supplied the unlicensed crew and when we lost this ship and its jobs and when U.S. Lines went bankrupt, we were on our way to...”
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“Highschool is finna be more crowed now. We need another highschool not a middle or elementary school.”
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“This is bittersweet. I spent a wonderful week in Cay Sal Banks on the Pilot in 2006. I will have to go pay her a visit soon....”
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“I agree with Jerome. What will this accomplish since both ends are only 4 lanes?”
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“The parking lot at McGuires would disappear along with the parcel that Destin purchased at the bridge.. Flooding on Okaloosa Island would close an expensive update to 98 , at...”
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“This will not make a difference for traffic passing through the center of Destin along Rt. 98. The smart option is to complete the Brooks Bridge and intersection in Ft...”
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“Doesn’t it still end up with 4 lanes on either end after bridges? Seems more aesthetic than a traffic plan. Which is nice too but does it increase the function?”
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“It would be a money pit let’s sink it for the tourists who we don’t have enough of so more will come”
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“Traffic moves pretty well on that stretch of 98, I don't see the need to waste the money. Maybe do something to deal with the traffic in Destin, and Mary...”
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