Hammond board approves police promotions and accepts two fire retirements

The Hammond Board of Public Works and Safety on April 9 approved a set of police promotions and accepted retirement letters from two long-serving fire department leaders.

Correspondence from Police Chief Jeffrey Long requested approval of promotions for Tyler Cruzen, Jesse Escamilla, Xavier Rilio and Raymond Velez, effective April 25, 2026. The board also approved promotions to first-class patrolman with accompanying pay adjustments for Michael Baxton, Devonte Matt Pitts, Emmanuel Suarez and Christian Vasquez, effective April 17, 2026. The motions carried by voice vote.

Fire Chief Ben Arredondo submitted retirement letters for Captain Brian Smith, who the record shows served over 27 years with the city and whose retirement is effective April 27, 2026, and Battalion Chief Christopher Walsh, listed with over 32 years of service and a retirement effective June 22, 2026. The board approved the retirements and the chair publicly thanked both for their years of service.

The board did not record individual roll-call votes for these personnel items; approval was recorded by voice vote.