Hammond mayor pins Jeffrey Long as new police chief and promotes more than a dozen officers

Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. on Thursday introduced and celebrated a new leadership lineup for the Hammond Police Department, pinning Jeffrey Long as the city’s next police chief and announcing promotions for more than a dozen officers at a ceremony held at the Hammond Sportslex.

The mayor said public safety and stability in department leadership have anchored his administration’s economic efforts. "We have the best police department in the state of Indiana," McDermott said during his remarks, praising recruiting, training and technology. He also told the audience the city has "an opportunity to bring a $8 billion company into the north part of our city," saying strong policing makes Hammond attractive to large employers.

Jeffrey Long, who the emcee said began his Hammond Police Department career on Dec. 18, 1989, was introduced to the stage and later thanked the mayor and the community in brief remarks. "The mayor has been more than just a great mayor of the city. He's also been a friend," Long said, adding that mayoral, council and resident support are vital for policing to work effectively. The mayor announced Chief Long will assume the department's top post effective Jan. 1, 2026.

The ceremony recognized several other personnel changes. McDermott alternately referred to "13" and later "14" promotions during his remarks; both figures appear in the ceremony record. The mayor said the wave of promotions stemmed from retirements, notably that of former Chief Andy Short, whom McDermott described as the city's first African‑American assistant chief and later its first African‑American police chief.

Officials highlighted a mix of patrol, investigative and specialized experience among those promoted. The mayor singled out staff taking new non‑promoted roles as well: Kelly Mickey was announced as the department’s domestic violence advocate and Rob Bunner was named to oversee training. Biographical remarks read at the ceremony noted Long's history as a patrol sergeant, K‑9 handler (partner Casio), SWAT officer and an internal affairs assignment; the biography also identified him as an Army veteran and lifelong Hammond resident.

Promoted officers mentioned in the ceremony included (as read aloud): Assistant Chief Christopher (bio read by the emcee), Master Sergeant Richard Ray (patrol captain), Sergeant Jason Shaffbuck (detective/captain), Scott Denny (lieutenant), Shawn Ford (lieutenant), Lizubio "Ebie" Gonzalez (community lieutenant), Jeffrey Miller, James "JJ" Onahan, Walter Peterson (pinned by his father), Arthur Ladaker Sr., Detective Jason Chorba, Timothy Chryser and Simon (listed in absentia). The emcee cited hiring dates, unit assignments and awards for each officer; the mayor repeatedly framed the promotions as a reward for long service and training.

McDermott closed the ceremony by thanking families and the city council and inviting attendees to refreshments and photographs. A city staff member offered family photos after the event. The ceremony contained no formal vote or council action; it served as a public recognition and installation event.