The City of Hammond, Mayor Thomas M. McDermott Jr., and the Hammond Police Department proudly announce significant leadership transitions, including promotions and retirements that mark an important moment in the department’s history.
After 38 years of distinguished service, Chief William “Andy” Short has announced his retirement. He will continue serving as Chief Emeritus until his departure date in early April. Because of Chief Short’s impending retirement, Assistant Chief Jeffery Long will assume command as Chief, effective January 1, 2026.
Chief Short began his career with the Hammond Police Department on September 26, 1988, after graduating from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy. His career has been marked by dedication, exemplary leadership, and several historic milestones. Rising through the ranks—1st Class Patrolman, 2nd Class Patrolman, Corporal, Sergeant, and Lieutenant—he made history in 2016 as the department’s first African American Assistant Chief.
Chief Short served in numerous divisions, including Patrol as a Patrol Officer, K-9 Handler, Bike Patrol member, and SWAT Officer. In the Special Deployment Division, he worked in the Gang/Narcotics Unit and served on the DEA HIDTA Task Force in Lake County. He also spent five years in Internal Affairs before being appointed Assistant Chief.
Andy continued breaking barriers throughout his exemplary career. On January 8, 2021, he became the first African American Chief of Police in Hammond’s history.
A lifelong Hammond resident, Chief Short has led with integrity, professionalism, and a deep commitment to community connection—especially to the city’s youth. He has been a frequent presence at community events, school programs, and neighborhood gatherings, ensuring young residents always felt valued and protected.
Chief Short leaves behind a legacy of leadership, service, and positive impact. As he shifts his focus toward family and his beloved grandchildren, the City of Hammond extends its gratitude for Andy’s decades of dedication.
In a symbolic and meaningful moment, Chief Short will celebrate his retirement by pinning the Chief’s badge on his friend and partner of 38 years—newly appointed Chief of Police, Jeffery Long.
Jeffery Long began his service with the Hammond Police Department on December 18, 1989, following his graduation from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy. Throughout his more than 35 years of dedicated service, Jeff has demonstrated unwavering commitment, professionalism, and leadership.
His extensive experience includes assignments as Patrol Sergeant, Shift Lieutenant, Field Training Officer, K-9 Handler, SWAT Officer, and a five-year tenure with Internal Affairs. He has risen through every rank—1st Class Patrolman, 2nd Class Patrolman, Corporal, Sergeant, and Lieutenant—and previously served as Uniform Division Captain for 12 years. Long has also served as Assistant Chief, bringing nine years of executive leadership experience to his new role. A U.S. Army veteran and lifelong Hammond resident, Long is deeply invested in the safety and success of the community he proudly serves. His comprehensive background has prepared him to lead the department into its next chapter.
Also retiring is Captain Ezequiel Hinojosa, who began his career with the department on November 4, 1978, following his graduation from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy.
Captain Hinojosa spent his first 10 years in Patrol, including two years as an Evidence Technician, before transitioning into what would become a 38-year career within the Criminal Investigations Division (CID). Over the decades, he worked in nearly every investigative area, including Auto Detail, Sex Crimes, Burglary, Violent Crimes, Arson, and Homicide.
For the past 15 years, he has served as Captain of CID, supervising complex investigations, developing new detectives, coordinating interagency cooperation, and upholding the highest standards of investigative excellence. His leadership, institutional knowledge, and commitment to justice have left a lasting impact on the department and community. He will be missed by the department greatly.
Lastly, The City also congratulates Christopher Gootee, who was promoted to Captain of CID on November 24, 2025.
Captain Gootee joined the Hammond Police Department on July 21, 2005, and has since served in multiple specialized assignments, including the Uniform Patrol Division, Evidence Technician role, Gang Suppression Unit, Special Deployment Unit, and the FBI’s Gang Response Investigative Team (GRIT) Task Force. He has risen steadily through the ranks—Corporal (2013), Sergeant (2015), and Lieutenant (2023)—and is a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff & Command.
Captain Gootee has been recognized with numerous honors and awards throughout his career. As a lifelong Hammond resident, he continues to serve the community where he and his wife are raising their two daughters.
Mayor Thomas M. McDermott Jr. and the City of Hammond commend Chief Short, Captain Hinojosa, Assistant Chief Long, and Captain Gootee for their decades of service, leadership, and commitment to the safety and well-being of the Hammond community. These changes represent both the end of remarkable careers and the beginning of new opportunities for continued excellence within the department. For questions or comments please reach out to the Hammond Police Department Chief’s office at 219-852-2917.