LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Less than a year after retiring from Louisville Metro Government, Doug Hamilton, the former Chief of Public Safety has died.

Mayor Greg Fischer (D) sent out a statement saying Hamilton died unexpectedly Saturday.

Fischer said, "When he retired less than a year ago, it was to take care of his two new grandchildren – Sloan and Henry – and anyone who saw him with them knew he had found his true calling – Granddad. 

My heart goes out to all those who love Doug – his colleagues, friends, and especially his children – Carol Anne, Taylor and Chris, and his adored grandchildren, Sloan and Henry. We will always remember him, and work to honor his legacy in public service.”

In 1971 Hamilton started his career with what is now known as Louisville Metro Government. He was a police officer who worked his way up the ranks to serve as chief. Hamilton was Chief of Police from 1990 until 1999. He would also go on to serve as a U.S. Marshall. Hamilton returned to Metro in March 2004 and he served as the Emergency Manager for Louisville/Jefferson County until January 2013 when Fischer appointed him to be Chief of Public Service. Hamilton retired once again from Metro on August 31, 2019, calling his departure bittersweet. But he knew he wanted to help his daughters with his new grandchildren.  

At the time Hamilton said, "Working in public safety is like having a front-row seat to the greatest show on earth,” he added. “The opportunities in public service have led me to meet and work with some very talented people over the years. I couldn’t begin to thank them all, but each made an impression that helped me throughout my career. And I’m so proud of the commitment, courage, and compassion evident in public safety and services personnel in meeting the challenges the complexity of humanity presents.”

Hamilton has been recognized many times over the years for his impact on emergency services. He was inducted into the Emergency Management Hall of Fame, served on numerous boards and commissions, including the Kentucky Derby Festival and the Red Cross.

Fischer added, "He was the very definition of a public servant, and he will be sorely missed."

Doug Hamilton was 69 years old.

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