Hammond FOP

06/17/2026

Rest Easy
Brother Tom Sawyer
E.O.W. 06-17-2021

06/11/2026

Day 2 of the Indiana Fraternal Order of Police State Conference started with the Memorial Service where we honored the members that we have lost since the last conference. Those members were: Garry Doss, Jerome "Jerry" Franciski, Robert "Eye" Imborek, and Anthony Myszak. We also honored Petty Officer Joe Tharp, who stopped and helped Brother Sandilla and his partner Grizz after his accident on I65. Joe was unable to attend, but his wife, Nicolette, their children, and mother accepted the award. Brother Sandilla presented the award. Below is the letter that was submitted nominating Joe for the 2026 Citizens Assisting Police Award:

On June 29, 2025, Officer Jeramey Sandilla and his K9 partner, Grizz, were involved in a serious accident while traveling to work in a fully marked Hammond Police Department squad car on I-65. Following the crash, Officer Sandilla was rendered unconscious and unable to call for help. Despite the accident occurring on a busy highway, numerous vehicles passed without stopping or contacting 911.

It was at this critical moment that Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Joseph Tharp demonstrated extraordinary courage. Recognizing the imminent danger as the squad car began smoking, Tharp stopped, rushed to the scene, and discovered Officer Sandilla unconscious inside the squad. Without hesitation, he pulled Officer Sandilla from the vehicle and rendered lifesaving aid. Tharp also took the time to check on K9 Grizz, ensuring the safety and well-being of Officer Sandilla’s loyal partner.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Tharp’s selfless actions, quick thinking, and bravery undoubtedly prevented a tragedy. His heroism reflects the highest standards of service and sacrifice. For this, the Hammond Police Department, the Hammond Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #51, and the family of Officer Sandilla are profoundly and eternally grateful. It is with great honor and respect that all of the members of the Hammond Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #51 would like to nominate Petty Officer 2nd Class Joseph Tharp for the 2026 Indiana Fraternal Order of Police Citizens Assisting Police Award.

Fraternally;

Hammond FOP51 Executive Board and Membership

06/08/2026

FOP 51 is looking forward to attending the annual State Conference in Fort Wayne, being involved in the business of our order, and renewing old friendships and fostering new relationships with our brothers and sisters across our great state. We are certain that our hosts, Wayne Lodge #14 will do their usual excellent job and provide us with a great conference experience.
We are also excited to endorse our own President of Lodge #51 Mark Tharp for Sgt. at Arms, Anderson Lodge #48 President Christopher Burton for Treasurer, and Curtis Minchuk of Merrillville Lodge #168 for NW District Trustee.
Safe travels for all and we will see you in Fort Wayne.

06/07/2026

The Hammond Police Department and Hammond FOP Lodge #51 would like to extend our sincere gratitude to our community partners for their generosity and support of the Second Annual Hammond Police Department Open House. Your donations and contributions helped make this event a tremendous success, allowing us to connect with the community we proudly serve. We greatly appreciate your commitment to supporting our officers, our department, and the residents of Hammond. Thank you for helping make this event possible!

Special shout out to Ben Daniels for organizing the event and Hammond Public Works for coming through with tables last minute!

Meats by Linz
Alpha Baking Co.
Hammond Walmart
Cabela's
Jump for Fun
Freddy's Steak House
Lost Marsh Golf Course
Emerald Green Hammond In
Hammond Marina
Byway Brewing Company
Bugaboo Tattoo
Aurelio's Pizza
Hammond Sportsplex
Olympia Lanes Bowling
Impact Barbershop and salon
Ixxa Coffee
The Home Depot
Yoli's Sparklingly Creations
Albanese

Pictures from Albanese and Bugaboo Tattoo

06/04/2026

On May 20th Hammond FOP 51 conducted our annual Memorial Service.
The service featured the Hammond Police Honor Guard and members of FOP 51.
Speakers included President Mark Tharp, VP Spencer Lemmons, Chief Jeff Long and Asst. Chief Chris Gootee.
The keynote speaker was current Lake County Judge and former Lake County Deputy Prosecutor Aleksandra Dimitrijevic.
Members of the Honor Guard placed red carnations for all of Hammonds fallen officers and blue carnations for all members of FOP 51 who had passed during the previous 12 months, all members of FOP 51 placed white carnations in memory of all of the fallen officers in our country while a bag piper played Amazing Grace.
The service concluded with a three volley gun salute, taps, and a prayer for safety for all law enforcement officers.
We will always remember our fallen who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Thank you to all who attended

06/04/2026

FOP 51 President Tharp had the honor of representing FOP 51 at the naming of a mile of US 30 in memory of LCPD Sgt. William Paterson who was killed in the line of duty. Anton Lodge 125 President Chris Matthew Akey did an exceptional job of making sure Brother Paterson was honored and remembered and he was assisted by NW District Trustee CM Ollie Curtis Minchuk, and IN State Rep Mike Andrade
Great job by Anton Lodge 125 in honoring Sgt. Paterson.

05/27/2026

Please keep the Indiana State Police trooper who is recovering from his wounds and the Hammond Police Officer and Lake County Sheriff's Officers who were involved in the incident on 80/94 in your hearts and prayers

05/22/2026

Please join us in prayer as we pray for a full and complete recovery for Laporte County Sheriff's Deputy Jon Samuelson who was shot in the line of duty.
Our prayers and support are with Ofc. Samuelson, his family, and all of our brothers and sisters in LaPorte, LaPorte County lodge 54, and Michigan City lodge 75

05/20/2026

Big thank you to the Strack and Van Til on Sibley Street for providing the food for our annual Fallen Officer Memorial Service. We greatly appreciate your generosity and our long standing partnership.

05/20/2026