Becky Ward

Interim Chairman

Becky has been a life-long resident of Hammond. She is a graduate of Morton Senior High School and Calumet College of St. Joseph, with a degree in Business Administartion. Becky is currently the bookkeeper for an attorney in Munster and also serves on the Hammond School Board. She has been named both “Hammond Citizen of the Year” and Indiana’s “Volunteer of the Year” Because of her tireless efforts and many years of service to school-aged children, Becky has always wanted to do her best to keep all students safe. According to Becky, “We need to assist the police department by being their eyes and ears, if we are all to be safe in Hammond.”

Kimberly Poland

Board Member

Kim is a Precinct Committee-Person in South Hammond and attends Crime Watch meetings regularly throughout the city. Kim believes that the number one priority in the City of Hammond must be maintaining the quality of life in our neighborhoods. Prior to becoming a stay-at-home mother of three, Kim worked as a legal secretary in Chicago. She volunteers her time at St. John Bosco church and school as a Room Mother, member of the Altar and Rosary Society, and former Home & School Officer. Kim has spent most of her life as a Hammond resident and has actively supported various groups - and causes - that benefit the city.

Ken Baker

Board Member

Ken is a Griffith High School graduate and a 9-year U.S. Navy veteran. He received three years of Vocational Education from Purdue University Calumet, and has been a Hammond resident since 1967. Prior to retiring from Inland Steel after 32 years, Ken took several training courses through the National Rifle Association - earning “certification” in six catagories: “Pistol”, “Home Firearm Safety”, “Personal Protection”, “Shotgun Reloading”, “Metalic Case Reloading”, and “Range Safety Officer”. After retiring from Inland in 2002, Ken joined Neighborhood Crime Watch in Hammond. Under the watchful eye of his late mentor - Hammond Police Sergeant Gerald Granger - Ken took over the duties of Instructor for the NRA “Eddie Eagle Gun Safety Program”. More information about “Eddie Eagle” can be found on this website.

In 2004, Ken became Chairman and CEO of Hammond Neighborhood Crime Watch City-Wide. After two knee replacements, and a determination and drive to keep Hammond School children safer, Ken Baker hopes to get as many residents and business owners involved in Hammond Neighborhood Crime Watch throughout the city.

Dave Innes

Board Member

Dave has been producing and hosting local cable television programs since 1981. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Radio & Television Communications from Purdue Calumet, Dave has always tried to get “positive” TV programs and information out to Northwest Indiana as a videographer, former “on-air” personality and Voice Artist on WJOB AM1230, and writer for the local newspapers. Over the years, he has hosted many “LIVE” programs. Most recently, he hosted “Hammond Tonite” with Mayor Thomas M. McDermott Jr. twice a month on Comcast cable television. Currently, Dave takes numerous photos of many events going on in Hammond that can be viewed on www.gohammond.com - along with co-producing short video segments, voice-overs, and interviews with Jim Corey and IN FOCUS VIDEO PRODUCTIONS.

Dave joined Hammond Neighborhood Crime Watch a few years ago. The late Sgt. Gerald Granger was also a mentor to him (AS WITH KEN), creating a drive and motivation to help make residents and business owners more confident - and willing - to report suspicious or criminal activities to the police. . Thrilled with the Economic Development going on in Hammond, Dave has spent most of his life here, realizing that Hammond has unlimited “possiblities”. Dave is currently a Block Captain in the Hessville area of Hammond, Co-Chairman, and in charge of Media Relations for Hammond Neighborhood Crime Watch.

Recently portrayed a reporter for J. Edgar Hoover in the Michael Mann film PUBLIC ENEMIES - with Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, Marion Cotillard, and Billy Crudup.

Morgan Sikora

Board Member

Morgan is a proud resident of the Robertsdale section of Hammond. She graduated from Bishop Noll Institute in June of 1999. She went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Management from Purdue University Calumet in May of 2006. Currently attending Allied Health Institute in Merrillville, Morgan will finish the Cardio- Tech Program in January of 2007. She’ll continue her education by working to become an Echo-Technician. For the last ten years, she has worked for Herreras Towing. They’re kind of like a second family to her.

Morgan has been an active member of the Whiting/Robertsdale Crime Watch since it began in 2003. She took the first step in trying to make a difference when she became a Block Captain, getting to know her neighbors a lot better, and getting the word out about becoming the “eyes and ears” of the Police Department. In March of 2005, Morgan - along with Bonnie Henry and Shawn Turpin - went a step further to become the coordinators of the Whiting/Robertsdale Crime Watch group. Unfortunately, in August of 2006, Morgan had to step down from that position because of family concerns and added responsibilities. According to Morgan, this was actually more of a transition because she was subsequently nominated to become a Board Member of Hammond Neighborhood Crime Watch City-Wide. Morgan felt that being nominated was a great honor and accepted the position immediately. Wanting to make Hammond and Whiting great places to live, she believes that if we all stick together we can make a difference. Morgan thanks everyone who has helped her get to where she is today.

Anna Mamala

Board Member

Anna is a life-long Hammond resident. She began attending the Edison Neighborhood Crime Watch meetings when they first started. Anna comes from a long list of relatives who have served - and are still serving - in law enforcement. “Our Hammond Police Department is a vital component to our city,” Anna said. “I want to encourage residents in my district to become involved, aware, and educated on how to become an active participant. The men and women of our police force can’t be everywhere. Every day is a learning experience. We all need to be that much-needed extra set of eyes and ears for them, because they never know what they are going to be walking into. Being involved in Neighborhood Crime Watch will send that message.” Anna is a graduate if Bloomington’s Indiana University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education, Recreation, with four years of Graduate work in Special Education from Purdue University Calumet.

In 1976, she was honored by the Indiana House of Representatives for bravery and involvement in the apprehension of juveniles during a string of burglaries occuring on the Bloomington campus. “I ripped the shirt off one of the perpetrators, and tackled, and head-locked, the other one,” Anna said. She currently serves as Vice-President on the Hammond School Board, and is Sergeant Of Arms for the Edison Crime Watch District. “We, as residents, need to take a positive and active roll in Hammond. It’s a great city! It’s red hot, and alive!”.

Gwendolyn Brown

Board Member

Gwendolyn was born and raised in Gary , Indiana - graduating from West Side High School in 1980. While living in Chicago , Illinois , and being married to a Chicago Police Officer, she soon realized that Northwest Indiana was her true home. After moving back here, she chose Brook Forest Apartments (now Kennedy Crossings) in the Hessville area of Hammond as her residence.

An avid bowler around town and in the Chicagoland area, Gwen worked at Nabisco Brands for 18 years before leaving for health reasons. Wanting to be a part of the growing Economic Development in Hammond, Gwen recently completed a Real Estate course with McColly Realtors and is looking forward to being state-licensed very soon.

Under the leadership of the late Sgt. Gerald Granger from the Hammond Police Department, Gwen chose to become a founding member of Brook Forest Neighborhood Crime Watch. She realized the problems plaguing and affecting the community, and wanted to be a part in making the area safe for all Kennedy Crossings residents. Contrary to public belief, there are good, productive, law abiding and concerned citizens that live in large apartment complexes. Being a single mother that raised 2 teenage sons, she realized children in Hessville face daily - guns, drugs, and gang violence – in which her eldest son was a victim of. Her continuing efforts have led her to become the President of Kennedy Crossings Neighborhood Crime Watch group. Her oldest son attended Morton High School and is a member of the Hammond Police Explorers, a group of young men and women ages 14-21 who are interested in pursuing a career in Law Enforcement. He is now serving with the US Army and is currently deployed to Afghanistan . Her youngest son is a senior @ Morton High School , as well as being a 4 year member of the Morton football teams and is also a member of the track team. He will be attending Vincennes University in the fall of 2009 to pursue a degree in Computer Science. Gwen truly believes it takes a village to raise a child. Gwen’s theory is “Crime will not go away on its own. It has to be forced out.”

After being nominated to become a member of the Board of Directors for Hammond Neighborhood Crime Watch city-wide, Gwen graciously accepted the position. She is especially happy and excited with all of the new friends she’s encountered while being part of the Brook Forest Neighborhood Crime Watch group. As a new Board member, Gwen hopes to make a difference in the Hammond/Hessville community.

Jim Veyette

Board Member

Jim was born and raised in Blue Island, Illinois and served in the United States Navy. He retired after working 40 years as an Industrial Electrician at Globe after they closed down, and also at Midwest Fasteners. Jim has been married to his lovely wife Darlene since 1967, raising seven children. Being very much into family, he is very active with his children and many grandchildren. Residents often see Jim walking around the blocks in his neighborhood with a grandchild or two, or just hanging out with them on his big front porch. He quickly became concerned for the safety of his family and refused to have them put up with crime, especially the obvious crime happening in broad daylight. As a part of Harrison Park Neighborhood Crime Watch, Jim is happy to be in the “neighbors helping neighbors” group, and being instrumental in helping to make Hammond safer.

Valorie White

Board Member

Valorie is a graduate of Thornton Fractional South High School. She is married to Donald White, and has 3 stepchildren and 4 grandchildren. She moved to Indiana around 20 years ago and currently lives in the Woodmar area of Hammond. She has worked in the banking industry since 1986 and has worn many hats - doing a lot of promotional/Ad work for several products. Valorie has been very involved in the “Relay for Life” for the past 13 years.

“I’m very passionate about this cause, and have done a lot of fund raisers,” she says. “To date I’ve raised $50,000, mostly for cancer research.”

Valorie has served on the Board of Directors for the Hammond YMCA since 2004 and was a member of the State of Indiana Team in Training program for the Leukemia Foundation in 1998 & 1999. She completed two of six marathons, and has also participated in several March of Dimes and Bike Marathons. Although she has several hobbies, crafting anything that makes one be creative is at the top of her list.

“I love to laugh, enjoy life, and my friends,” Valorie says. “I never seem to have enough time in the day to get all I want done. In a world full of challenges, I believe we need to reach out and encourage one another in a positive direction. I enjoy assisting people to find solutions to better themselves. What one person might excel in - another may not. Together, however, we can make a difference! While I’m on this earth, I will try to achieve this to the best of my ability. I look forward to my new roll as a board member for the City of Hammond’s Neighborhood Crime Watch. I sincerely thank and appreciate this opportunity.