'My heart goes out,' Ogden officer says of victims

The pats on the back, hugs and adulation from co-workers has meant a lot to Hammond, who as part of protocol during a shooting investigation is on paid administrative leave. He's not sure when he'll be back at work.

Family and friends have been calling, too, saying things like, "'I just saw you on television.'

"I never thought they would see me on television for something I've done," he added. "In this case, it was a good thing."

Even reporters have treated Hammond well, in his estimation.

"It seems like they've really respected what I've gone through," he said.

But on Thursday, now relatively rested, Hammond said he hasn't yet quietly reflected too much about the actual events at Trolley Square. He and his wife will probably take advantage of the standard counseling offered to law enforcement officers in a situation like this.

He hasn't had any dreams or nightmares — "yet," he added. Hammond said the shooting had an impact on him, but the man who as an adult is used to being told he looks so young on the outside, isn't sure how the shooting will affect him on the inside.

"There's been no time to think about the incident, per se, what I've went through," he said. "That's the part that has really, really affected me. I don't think anyone can ever prepare for what that crime scene was."

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E-mail: sspeckman@desnews.com