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FEBRUARY 19.2025 20 <br />I. REGULAR MEETING <br />The Board of Public Safety met in the Regular Meeting at 9:15 a.m. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 <br />with Board President Dan Jones, and Board Members Darryl Heller (not present), Lee Ross, Al <br />Kirsits, and Pamela Claeys were present. Also, Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski, Fire Chief Carl <br />Buchanon, and Attorneys Danielle Campbell Weiss, Adam Taylor, Kylie Connell (virtual), and <br />Board Clerk Theresa Heffner. The meeting was held in the Council Chambers 4th Floor, County - <br />City Bldg., 227 W. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, Indiana and virtually via Microsoft Teams at the <br />following link: https://tipyurl.com/2025BPSHybrid <br />Attorney Weiss asked that everyone mute their microphone when not speaking and reminded <br />attendees that comments from the public should be saved for the Privilege of the Floor portion of <br />the meeting. Attorney Weiss then read through the agenda to note any additions or corrections. <br />A. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS <br />Board President Dan Jones welcomed the public, called roll, and confirmed the presence of the <br />Board Members. <br />B. APPROVE MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS <br />Upon a motion by Pam Claeys, seconded by Al Kirsits, and carried by roll call, the Board <br />approved the Minutes of the January 15, 2025, regular meeting. Lee Ross abstained from <br />voting. <br />C. POLICE DEPARTMENT <br />APPROVE PROMOTIONS TO PATROLMAN 1ST CLASS <br />Richard Springer <br />Delaney Knizner <br />Jonathon Phelps <br />Chief Scott Ruszkowski submitted letters of recommendations for the above officers to be <br />promoted to Patrolman 1st Class and retro pay, and stated the officers have successfully <br />met the requirements outlined in the working agreement to become a PFC within the SBPD. <br />Lee Ross asked how the retro pay works for the officers. Chief Ruszkowski advised that <br />due to the calendar and the way the Board meeting lined up, these officers had already <br />completed their requirements, so that is why they will be paid retroactively. <br />Pam Claeys asked why they are referred to as patrolman rather than patrol officers. Chief <br />Ruszkowski advised that the law reads that they are patrolman. <br />Upon a motion by Al Kirsits, seconded by Pam Claeys, and followed by a roll call, the <br />Board approved the Promotions to Patrolman 15t Class for the above Officers. <br />2. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COMMENDATIONS (LIFE SAVING AWARDS) <br />Kassandra Duran <br />Joshua Pennington <br />Luke Primerano <br />Connor Redden <br />Chief Ruszkowski stated the above Officers' quick actions and life saving measures <br />collectively assisted in saving an individual's life on November 28, 2024. Chief <br />Ruszkowski commended their efforts. The Board also commended the officers' actions and <br />stated they would be receiving commendation coins. <br />Dan Jones noted for the audience that challenge coins are given out by the Board when an <br />officer or a firefighter provides extraordinary service. <br />Chief Ruszkowski noted that the officers started CPR before the Fire Department and EMS <br />arrived with a machine that does chest compressions, so they were able to revive the person <br />and maintain them all the way to the hospital. He also noted that Officer Spratt took the <br />family members to the hospital and was able to get them with their loved one. <br />