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MARCH 19, 2025 30 <br />job out there, not only reinstating a lot of businesses, but also making time for the new <br />businesses that are coming to the area. <br /> <br />Chief Buchanon noted the increase in calls and incidents, but he did not have an explanation <br />as to why incidents have increased when factors like weather have been favorable to the <br />department. He emphasized the importance of individuals being proactive with fire safety <br />and education to help decrease incidents within the city. He explained that the department’s <br />attempts to increase personnel should aid in the department’s efforts to educate residents, <br />do more inspections and investigations, and be able to respond more effectively to any <br />incidents. <br /> <br />Pam Claeys brought up two (2) false alarms at the Central Station and asked for more <br />information. Chief Buchanon noted the station is one (1) of eleven (11) and is older than <br />the others. He noted that sometimes electrical components in fire detection devices <br />malfunction and it is being resolved. He acknowledged the humor in the fire department <br />having to respond to their own facility’s alarms. He also joked about on-duty firefighters’ <br />amateur cooking skills nearly setting off alarms. <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />D. POLICE DEPARTMENT <br /> <br />1. DETERMINE ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE PAY STATUS PURSUANT TO I.C. 36-8- <br />3-4(N) – EMANUEL GARICA <br />Police Chief Ruszkowski submitted a letter asking the board to determine the continuance <br />of administrative leave and implore the Board’s discretion regarding the paid or unpaid <br />status of the leave to be effective February 28, 2025. <br /> <br />Pam Claeys asked about Officer Garcia receiving backpay if his charges are dropped at a <br />later time. Chief Ruskowski stated Officer Garcia may be eligible for backpay if exonerated <br />of all charges. Chief Ruskowski emphasized that even if the officer is exonerated, the <br />SBPD will do an internal investigation on the officer. Attorney Wise confirmed. <br /> <br />Upon a motion by Pam Claeys, seconded by Al Kirsits, and followed by a roll call, the <br />Board approved administrative leave without pay for Officer Emanuel Garcia effective <br />February 28, 2025.