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Jeffrey Long introduced as Hammond police chief; mayor announces 14 promotions
Summary
At a ceremony at Hammond Sportsplex, Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. introduced Jeffrey Long as Hammond’s new police chief, effective Jan. 1, 2026, and the city recognized 14 promotions across the Hammond Police Department. The mayor credited departmental stability with helping attract large economic interest in the city.
Jeffrey Long was introduced as Hammond’s new police chief at a public ceremony at the Hammond Sportsplex, where Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. also announced 14 promotions across the Hammond Police Department.
Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. read Long’s biography and said the appointment takes effect Jan. 1, 2026. "Chief Long now holds the highest rank in the department," the mayor said before asking a retiring officer to pin Long’s badge. In remarks during the event, McDermott praised the department as "the backbone of the city" and said it was a factor in attracting major economic interest to north Hammond, saying the city has a chance to bring in an "$8,000,000,000 company." "We have the best police department in the state of Indiana," he said.
The new chief, Jeffrey Long, thanked the mayor and others for their support and emphasized the balance between support and accountability. "I am honored to be here today to ... be the next chief," Long said, adding that he expects to work closely with the city council, staff and residents to keep the community safe.
The ceremony recognized a slate of promotions across ranks and divisions. Mayor McDermott and Chief Long acknowledged a range of career backgrounds among those promoted, from field training and patrol assignments to specialty units such as SWAT, K-9 and gang enforcement. Assistant Chief Christopher Godey (hired 07/21/2005) was highlighted for leadership and time on the FBI GRIT task force; Richard Ray was introduced as the next patrol captain; Jason Schaffbuck, Scott Denny, Sean Ford, Azubio Gonzalez, Jeffrey Miller, James Onahan ("JJ"), Walter Peterson, Arthur Latiker Sr., Jason Schorba, Timothy Kreischer and Simon Seba were among others recognized for new ranks or assignments.
The mayor noted that several long-serving officers and a recent retirement created the openings that prompted the promotions, and he referenced the department’s recruitment strength. He also highlighted Andy Stroh as the first African American to become assistant chief in the city’s history, noting Stroh’s earlier service and the department’s continuity through retirements and promotions.
No council vote or other formal legislative action was recorded in the transcript of the ceremony; the event functioned as a public announcement and badge-pinning. Chief Long closed by thanking family, staff and attendees and reminding officers to "stay safe out there, look out for one another, and know that we care about you every single day." The ceremony concluded with refreshments and an offer of family photos for attendees.
What’s next: the transcript records the appointment’s effective date as Jan. 1, 2026; no additional procedural steps or votes were recorded in the event's transcript.
