ToquiNotes: SRO Jamie Hamrick Staring Down Breast Cancer with Backing of Family, Friends, and Faith
By Jeff Toquinto on December 14, 2024
Bridgeport School Resource Officer Jamie Hamrick knows how to deal with problems. As a police officer, she is trained how to respond to situations of any nature.
Even the most unique issues that present themselves every day in the halls of Bridgeport’s public schools, Hamrick knows the protocols and how to react. After nearly three decades of law enforcement, it has become ingrained.
The good news is that response mechanism works on the personal front. The not so good news is that in a recent situation Hamrick, who 
has worked as the SRO in the school system in Bridgeport since 2005, did not have the protocol or experience on how to react.
has worked as the SRO in the school system in Bridgeport since 2005, did not have the protocol or experience on how to react.
About two months ago, Hamrick got word from her doctor that no one ever wants to hear. She had cancer. Specifically, she had breast cancer.
A routine mammogram led to a follow-up – one of a rather quick nature – that let the usually not-too-concerned Hamrick a little more suspect something was up. She had been called back for a follow-up before. This time it not only was quick, but it was the ultrasound version.
Her hunch that things were out of the ordinary were correct
“I was diagnosed in October with the unfortunate irony of it being breast cancer awareness month,” said Hamrick, who said she was not totally surprised by the call and diagnosis from the doctor. “Getting those routine mammograms are important. They got it early.”
It was early – Stage I. It was also not considered aggressive, said Hamrick. Still, Hamrick had cancer, and she would need surgery and, eventually, she is going to need post-operative maintenance to put the cancer in remission with the goal of being cancer free.
While those closest knew, Hamrick did not let the majority of those she interacts with know about her battle. She went about her job, and personal life, with many around her having no idea.
On November 25, just prior to Thanksgiving, the tumor was removed at Ruby Memorial Hospital. She had the surgery during Thanksgiving break in order to not miss a lot of school.
“They believe they got it all and told me it was relatively contained and the tumor was small,” the 1988 BHS graduate said. “Nothing traveled to my lymph nodes and the margins were clear. Now, we’re waiting for the complete pathology report to be done to determine the next step.”
Hamrick is in a wait-and-see mode at the moment. She said it is almost a certainty radiation will be needed, but the duration is unknown. What is also unknown is if chemotherapy will be necessary.
“I should find out soon, and we’ll cross that bridge when we get there,” said Hamrick.
After surgery, and prior to diagnosis, Hamrick went to social media to let those who may not know what she was dealing with know exactly what was going on.
Hamrick’s career has brought her into contact with tens of thousands of students and countless numbers of parents and others involved in the school system. Because of that, putting it out there seemed better than having to answer what could potentially be unlimited questions as others would learn of her condition.
“I guess it’s feeling like a split personality because OJ (officer Jamie) is an extravert and personally I’m an introvert; not totally, but I’m not one to lead off a conversation with my problems and I definitely didn’t want people to approach me as ‘poor Jamie.’ I didn’t want to go there,” she said. “So, after surgery, and getting on solid footing, I put it out there. I know in my position this is going to be somewhat of a 
public journey.”
public journey.”
Now, however, she is going to not only battle cancer in a positive manner, but she is also going to turn the diagnosis into something positive. And she is going to do that by leaning on her faith.
“I’m not a person who believes things happen for no reason. I know it sounds cliché, but this is part of God’s plan, God’s purpose,” she said. “I don’t know what that purpose is, but I want to find out to fulfill that purpose for His glory going forward.”
She said maybe her cancer situation is a tool for Hamrick to use in her job. Hamrick said she frequently talks about addiction to students and the trauma it can cause. Although she cannot relate to the addiction part, maybe she can help better from a trauma standpoint.
“I know I’ve got hoops to jump through because of what I’m facing. I can use that to tell someone facing addiction, or another problem, that you have to overcome problems by jumping through hoops,” she said. “If there are other ways with what I’m going through can help
others, particularly the students, then bring it on.”
others, particularly the students, then bring it on.”
Hamrick said the early part of her fight has exposed her to a few things. One of which she knew was going to take place.
“You know, my social circle is relatively small, and they’ve been incredible. My family has been incredible, and I can’t say enough about the police department and the stuff they’re doing beyond just being supportive,” said Hamrick. “I feel the support from my school people as well and people I haven’t heard from for years.”
Hamrick said during recovery while watching television at home she would be receiving social media messages, calls, texts, and more. All with the same content – support and prayers.
“Even with what I do, you feel you’re in an insulated bubble so to see that support was humbling,” she said. “Particularly humbling was hearing from kids I had when I started, ones where I wondered if I could have done more, have reached out and it makes you feel good that you may have had the impact you hoped for. It’s been helpful as I’ve gone through this, particularly the prayers because I believe in the power of prayer.”
As much as she appreciates the support, Hamrick said she does not feel unlucky. She does not feel unfortunate.
“All of the support lets me know how fortunate I am. This is something that’s happened, something I have to deal with,” she said. “I’ve confronted it, I’m dealing with it, and I plan to keep going.”
The good news is, she will not have to confront it alone. She has family, friends, and faith to lean on.
Editor's Note: Top photo shows Jamie Hamrick prior to undergoing surgery, while she's shown in the middle of her social circle in the second image. Third photo shows Officer Jamie Hamrick with therapy dog Connor at a Bridgeport City Council meeting. Next-to-last photo shows Hamrick with her two sons and grandchildren. At the bottom, Hamrick, far right, is shown with two others in her close social circle, Heather Holbert, left, and Kym Burton.
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