From patrol officer to police chief, Macomb Police Department's Jeff Hamer was celebrated for his 24+ years of service Friday at The Penny in Macomb. December 12 marked Hamer's final day in law enforcement. During Friday's reception, Macomb Mayor Mike Inman declared the day as Jeff Hamer Day in Macomb.
Hamer joined the Macomb Police Department in 2001, and was named chief in July 2023, after serving as the interim chief for four months prior. The MPD veteran, who hails from Bolingbrook, is a Western Illinois University graduate who has called Macomb home for 29 years.
'True success is the legacy you leave behind, and Chief Hamer has left behind an unwavering commitment to fairness, empathy and compassion,' said Interim Chief Todd Tedrow. 'We have become steadfast under his guidance, and he leaves a powerful legacy that we will carry forward.'
Hamer told those in attendance that he was grateful to have a career in the community he has called home for nearly 30 years.
'I'd like to thank the citizens for their trust in me as an officer and ultimately as chief,' Hamer said. 'I just wanted to make a difference.'
