Hammond police chief Doughty to step down
The City of Hammond’s top cop is stepping down at the end of January.
John Doughty, who’s been Hammond’s Police Chief since 2014, told city administrators he will relinquish the position for “personal and family issues,” Hammond Police spokesman Lt. Steve Kellogg said Monday.
He’ll remain, however, with the department as a lieutenant so he “can continue to fully support the administration of the Hammond Police Department.”
“The Hammond Police Department is honored to have had Chief Doughty serve as their leader, as he has helped the police department take great strides forward and has led the department in excellence of service for the citizens of Hammond,” Kellogg said.
Doughty didn’t respond to requests for comment.
Doughty is only the second police chief to serve under Mayor Thomas McDermott Jr. The first was Brian Miller, who retired after 10 years with McDermott. On Monday, McDermott called himself “a big fan” of Doughty’s.
“Chief has had a lot of family issues over the last year, and let’s face it: Being chief is a 60- to 70-hour-aweek job, not unlike the mayor’s. (Doughty’s stepping down) is definitely not because of performance,” he said. “He’s been here a long time, and he’s a good guy who deserves to have a good day. We’re going to miss him (in that role).
“I was caught off-guard by t he announcement, though.”
McDermott said he’ll take the next week or two to determine Doughty’s replacement.