Detective Story Episode #5 Sergeant Walter Kevin Artz and the summer of 1987

Detective Hammond returns with the very personal story the murder of Vigo County Sheriff Sergeant W. Kevin Artz.   Detective Hammond talks of his relationship with his first mentor in law enforcement Deputy Michael McKissick, the closing of the innocence of his youth with his college internship and the beginning of his journey into the real world of violence.  A story that he has kept inside of his close circle of friends and family until now. He recounts the story from his memories of it and in tribute to Sergeant Artz and his surviving daughters.  As always to keep the name Sergeant Walter Kevin Artz alive and remembered.  

https://www.odmp.org/officer/1316-sergeant-walter-kevin-artz

****** A personal note from Mike Hammond

I recorded this episode unscripted with few notes and in doing so I could not recall the name of a Terre Haute Police Department Detective killed in the line of duty on July 7th, 2021.   His name is Detective Greg Ferency. Forgive me Detective Ferency. Thank you for your service, I hope that you have found peace and your family will find comfort with the pride of knowing that you put their safety and the safety of your community above yourself. You honor, courage and sacrifice is a measure for us all. 

https://www.odmp.org/officer/25357-detective-gregory-joseph-ferency

Some debts can never be repaid so you do your best to honor those who have shown you the way and pay it forward.  There have been many who have helped and supported me along the way.  It is my hope that I have lived up to the standard that Kevin Artz and Mike McKissick set for me. I am proud and lucky to have had the time with them both.  

To my father,  Hank Hammond, my brothers Joe and Andrew and my lasting friend Bryan Leturgez. Thank you for supporting me in this journey since July 1st, 1987 and always standing by me no matter how nuts you thought I may be.  Love and gratitude aren't big enough words.  Of course, to my mother and Maw. The knowledge that I have your blood flowing through me has always made feel braver than I probably really was. 

Thank you all for your support and time.  You can reach Detective Mike Hammond anytime at mike@detectivestory.net