02/18/2015 Board of Public Safety Meeting

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PLBiJC AGENDA SESSION FEBRUARY 18.2015 10 The Board of Public Safety met in the Public Agenda Session at 8:12 a.m. on Wednesday, February 18, 2015 in the Classroom, Fire Department Training Center, 710 E. Sample St., South Bend, Indiana, with Board President Laura Vasquez and Board Members Eddie Miller, John Collins, Luther Taylor, and Daniel Jones present. Also present was Police Chief Ronald Teachman, Fire Chief Stephen Cox, and Board Legal Counsel Tasha Outlaw. ADDITION TO THE AGENDA President Vasquez noted the addition to the agenda under No. IILC8., of a Police General Order. Board members discussed the following agenda items: - Promotions to Captain— Fire Department Chief Cox stated Troy Platz has been on special assignment for one (1) year and has now completed all requirements on the checklist and is eligible for promotion. Chief Cox noted all ofthe individuals up for promotions have done a phenomenal job and one of them, Darrel Eiler is getting a commendation today. - Commendations Chief Cox requested the Board move Item No. 3 to No. 5; Item No. 5 to No. 4; and No. 4 to No. 3 on the agenda. He explained that Engine 6 was the firston the scene and had the most difficult job so he would like to identify them first. He stated when they arrived at a house fire; the house was fully engulfed in flames. He noted the fire was eventually found to be deliberately set. Chief Cox stated two individuals were found to be still in the house. He stated the Captain on the scene handled the situation exactly how he should have. Chief Cox stated they heard a person screaming from the house and dove in the window in the first couple of minutes after arriving and attempted to get him out of the house. They were unable to move the individual, so the ladder crew got a chain saw and opened the window up to make a doorway, after which they were able to get him. out. Chief Cox stated he survived and is still alive, but had it not been for the actions of the fire crew, he would not have survived. Chief Cox . went on to describe how Rescue 6 arrived and entered the home after being told there was another individual inside. They were able to get that victim out of the house, but he had severe burns and didn't survive. Chief Cox noted that life saving measures were taken immediately and all of the individuals were taken to the hospital within twenty -three (23) minutes of the 911 call. He added that included the rescue, life saving measures, and drive time. Mr. Taylor stated that the only thing that prepared them for this is all of the training they have been going through. Chief Cox stated he couldn't agree more, noting this crew works out daily and creates self - initiated training at the training tower that isn't even mandated. He stated he couldn't be prouder of these individuals. Chief Cox stated the Medic crews were at the hospital on another call and self - initiated on this call and palled up right when the patient was pulled out and started life saving measures immediately. - Resignation — Fire Department Chief Cox stated Firefighter Grant Baker put in for a leave of absence last month, which was denied by the Board. Chief Cox explained that Mr. Baker has decided he preferred to pursue the other job opportunity that came up and is resigning from the Fire Department. - Donations — Fire Department Chief Cox stated two donations came to the Fire Department unexpectedly. One was sent from two (2) daughters of a retired Firefighter Joseph Jelinski. Chief Cox noted their motherjust passed away recently and the daughters felt it necessary to give back to the Fire Department and made a donation in his honor. Chief Cox stated the second donation is from the Elkhart Brass Company of nozzles and hoses to the training center. He explained this is a very specialized business, and the only one in the area, subsequently the Fire Department purchases most of their hoses and nozzles from the company. Chief Cox stated they wanted to thank the Fire Department for its support of their business with this donation. Annual Statistical Analysis — Fire Department _ Chief Cox stated although the Fire Department isn't tracking arsons anymore, incendiary fires are basically arson. He noted damage to contents and structure numbers are up due to a large fire at the Park Jefferson Apartments. Ile noted that fire gave the Fire Department an opportunity to do a tremendous amount of outreach to the residents that has been shared with other apartment complexes. Chief Cox stated one thing that was done at Park Jefferson was the Fire Department came up with a small device for $40 that goes under the range hood. Once it heats up, it ejects fire extinguishing chemicals that will put out a stove fire. He noted there were several instances where they ejected and prevented a fire from spreading. Chief Cox added there was another large fire at