Honoring Detective Hammond

October 2, 2025

100 Years of Service and Sacrifice: Detective Charles Dewitt Hammond

Sepia-toned portrait of a man in a suit with a bow tie, looking confidently at the camera. The vintage style evokes an early 20th-century feel.

This October marks 100 years since Detective Charles Dewitt Hammond was killed in the line of duty on October 31, 1925. Detective Hammond was shot while attempting to arrest a man for passing counterfeit bills. Despite his injury, he pursued and disarmed the suspect, preventing further harm. A 13-year veteran of the Muskegon Police Department, he was also a devoted husband and father of four.

Golden police badge with "Muskegon Police," "1925," and "Det. C. Hammond" inscribed. It rests on a dark fabric, conveying authority and tradition.

To honor his legacy, Muskegon Police officers will wear commemorative replica badges throughout the month of October. The Coffee Factory is featuring a special latte with a portion of proceeds benefiting Every Woman’s Place and Pigeon Hill Brewing Company has crafted a special beer with a portion of proceeds benefiting The Child Abuse Council in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Learn more about Det. Hammond in a podcast from the Lakeshore Museum Center here.