For almost two decades, Supervisory Special Agent Dave Hammell has participated in and led a wide array of felony investigations, working diligently to safeguard service members and their families. 

SSA Hammell began his career as a criminal investigator with the U.S. Marine Corps. His passion for justice and his meticulous approach to investigations quickly set him apart, leading to his transition into the role of federal special agent. In this capacity, SSA Hammell worked to tackle a broad spectrum of serious felonies, including homicides, sexual violence, and drug trafficking. His leadership of the Major Case Response Team in North Carolina was particularly noteworthy, setting a high standard for forensic crime screen processing.  SSA Hammell also led an investigation that resulted in the arrest and conviction of a serial sex offender who specifically targeted U.S. Marines.  

SSA Hammell’s expertise and dedication saw him excel further at the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), where he participated in and helped supervise more than 200 investigations at the Marine West Field Office in California, including a landmark fentanyl overdose case. One of his most notable achievements during his tenure with NCIS was his pivotal role in apprehending a repeat sex offender, an accomplishment that earned him the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year award from the International Footprint Association-Morongo Basin and earning an award for heroism-lifesaving award.  

At the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, SSA Hammell has continued to demonstrate his exceptional capabilities. His work with the Special Victims’ Unit in Germany was instrumental in solving a complex infant homicide case, and his innovative efforts to establish a new criminal squad in Central Texas have significantly disrupted criminal activities targeting Army personnel and property with an aim toward keeping soldiers, their families, and Army civilian employees safe from the fentanyl epidemic.

“My journey is a testament to the power of resilience, dedication, and the unwavering belief in the mission of law enforcement to enact positive change.”