08/11/2026
Rest easy Officer Hambel.
It is with profound sadness that the Lancaster Police Department announces the passing of Officer Raymond “Ray Ray” Hambel #474.
Officer Hambel passed away unexpectedly on August 9, 2026, at the age of 51.
Ray began his career with the Lancaster Police Department on September 17, 2001, and dedicated more than 25 years to serving the Lancaster community. As one of the senior members of our department, Ray was a familiar face, a trusted coworker, and a beloved member of the Lancaster Police Department family.
Throughout his career, Ray served as a member of the Lancaster Police Department Honor Guard. He also spent many years providing artist security during the Lancaster Festival, an assignment he loved. Ray took great pride in welcoming visiting artists and showing them everything Lancaster had to offer.
Those who knew Ray knew his humor and larger-than-life personality. He could make people laugh, was often the life of the party, and left an impression on everyone around him.
Beyond the uniform, Ray was a husband, a father, and a devoted family man.
For more than 25 years, Officer Raymond Hambel served the City of Lancaster and its residents. His service, humor, friendship, and the memories he created will remain a lasting part of our department.
Rest easy, Ray Ray. We will take it from here.
Funeral arrangements will be announced once they are available.