Officer Patricia Hamashin, center, displays her gold medal. She’s flanked by Warden(A) Robert Neuschmid, left, and retired Warden Eric Arnold.
By Lt. John Ojo, AA/PIO
California State Prison, Solano
When you hear names like Jessie Owens, Michael Phelps, Mark Spitz, Carl Lewis or Usain Bolt, Olympic greatness comes to mind.
Each an extraordinary athlete in their own right, they pursued their passion with consistency and determination. The same can be said for CDCR’s very own, Correctional Officer Patricia Hamashin. She currently works at CSP-Solano and has been competing in the World Police and Fire Games (WPFG) for many years.
Officer Patricia Hamashin competes in female body building at the World Police and Fire Games.
The WPFG is a biennial athletic event, open to active or retired law enforcement and fire service personnel throughout the world. The WPFG Federation is an arm of the California Police Athletic Federation (CPAF), an American non-profit organization.
Officer Hamashin is a lifelong athlete, competing in gymnastics at the high school and college levels. During her college years, Officer Hamashin ventured out and took a weight lifting class and fell in love with the sport. She began weightlifting routinely and would often practice posing in the local gyms.
Her newfound passion drove her to become a Personal Trainer. As a Personal Trainer, many of her clients were cadets preparing to attend the Richard A. McGee Corrections Basic Training Academy. This encouraged her to apply. She graduated from the academy on May 26, 1997.
Officer Hamashin recently attended the WPFG in Los Angeles. During the games there were over 9,000 athletes competing in different sporting events, including: track & field, swimming, softball, and body building. Additionally, the games offer law enforcement specific events, including: The Toughest Cop Alive, K9 showcases and shooting competitions.
Officer Hamashin’s event, the women’s body building competition, comprised female athletes from 70 different countries including Japan, South Africa, China and Mongolia. At the end of the competition, Officer Hamashin walked away with a gold medal. Officer Hamashin is a collector of all things gold, and has roughly 23 gold medals.
Officer Hamashin’s mantra is to find something that you love to do no matter what it is. She believes when you do what you love, it has a profound impact on your overall happiness. So whether it’s walking, running, cycling, or collecting Gold Medals, find your thing and turn your passion into a lifestyle.
For more information about employee wellness, go to http://www.cdcr.ca.gov/Wellness/index.html.
Congrats Ham! Miss working with you!
Congratulations. Good for you missy.
Awesomeness! I admire you & your passion for what you LOVE! Congratulations in another medal girl!!!
Good Job Pat. My wife and I workout at World’s Gym in Vallejo in the early 90’s where you and Randy were the managers. Middle weights Mr. and Mrs. California.
Great job Hammie!! Keep up the good and positive work. Proud to be a CSP Solano teammate of yours.
That is so awesome and inspiring!
Way to go Hammie!!!!! It was refreshing to come to work today and see this story about you. I’ll keep working out so that I may be able to spot you someday.
Way to represent Solano, Hammie! You are such an inspiration to all of us. Miss you girl!
Congratulation. Way to represent, Hammie.
CONGRATULATIONS HAMMIE!
Great job Hammie!!
WTG Ham! You are such an inspiration to me!!!
Hamashin I have always admired how you have kept yourself fit for this hobby. You are an incredible person with an incredible drive and discipline! Keep up the good work. We will find somebody else to eat the donuts and chili for you.
Hammy your such an insperation to myself and to all of us in green!I was so fortunate to have worked with you in Solano( Bldg.12) and know the hard working dedicated person you are as an Officer at work, and as well to know the passion you have for body building, your a beautiful person inside out. Thank you for all that you do in the Department!! Miss you!
Sgt. Kj
Way to go Officer Hamashin! Thank you for all of your hard work and dedication to not only your passion but to your job as well. It’s refreshing to know that CDCR has dedicated and professional staff such as yourself to represent CDCR. Thank you for demonstrating correctional excellence in all that you do!
Hey Hammie! You always amazed me with your enthusiasm and down-to-earth personality. I remember when I first transferred to Solano, my first visit to your block was very comforting. You took care of me and your office was just so personable and pleasant -a ‘real’ feeling and creative outpouring of spirit both within your person and in your surroundings. Thank you for your kindness. God bless.
C/O Cummings
I am proud of your accomplishments.
Go Hammie!!!!!