A white police sergeant who spent 26 years with the Hammond Police Department has resigned while under investigation for homophobic and racist comments made while off duty at a bar.
Lt. Steven Kellogg said the officer submitted a retirement letter Thursday, two hours before an interview. The Times reports that he was facing possible termination after his comments at a bar were recorded in December and February.
Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott, Jr., said “it’s impossible to be a police officer” after making the remarks.
Kellogg said the department became aware of the recorded remarks March 7 and placed the sergeant on leave. He was paid $74,000 a year.
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