Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Hammond mayor announces police retirements, acting chief appointment and updates on local development
Summary
Mayor McDermott announced two long-serving Hammond Police Department leaders will retire, named Assistant Chief Jeffrey Long as acting chief effective Jan. 1, 2026, and highlighted developer interest in the former Franciscan hospital site and results of a city liquor-license RFP.
Mayor McDermott told the Hammond City Common Council on Dec. 8 that Chief William Andy Short and Captain Ezekiel “Zeke” Hinojosa are retiring after long tenures, and that Assistant Chief Jeffrey Long will serve as acting chief beginning Jan. 1, 2026.
"Chief William Andy Short is concluding an incredible 38 year career," McDermott said, noting Short made history as Hammond's first Black police chief in 2021. The mayor also recognized Captain Ezekiel Hinojosa's 47 years of service in the criminal-investigations division and announced Captain Christopher Godi's promotion to lead that division.
The mayor said he met with potential developers interested in the former Franciscan hospital site but declined to discuss details in open session, saying the more he discusses it the less likely a deal will happen. He described the opportunity as "spectacular" if it comes to fruition.
McDermott summarized results from a redevelopment commission RFP for a spare city liquor license: the city set a minimum bid of $35,000, referenced a prior sale price of $40,000, and reported three valid submissions with offers described to council as $70,000 (over five years), $50,000 and $5,000. He said two additional submissions were deemed invalid for failing to meet RFP requirements.
The mayor also highlighted several community items: the Hammond Civic Center hosted seven Shrine/Circus shows over Thanksgiving weekend; he met with Governor Mike Braun in Hammond for about 15 minutes to discuss city projects; he attended a Calumet College groundbreaking supported by a LILI grant; and he noted discussions with the Hammond Fraternal Order of Police about a grievance tied to changes in the city's health-care policy. McDermott said the city has shouldered roughly "98% of all health care costs" in recent years and that rebalancing is necessary ahead of expected state-mandated cuts tied to "SB 1."
McDermott closed his remarks by thanking staff and volunteers involved in holiday events and economic-development efforts and offered seasonal greetings to the council and public.
