HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/20/2011 Board of Public Safety MeetingPUBLIC AGENDA SESSION JULY 20, 2011 33
The Board of Public Safety met in the Public Agenda Session at 8:07 a.m. on Wednesday, July 20,
2011 with Board Members Patrick D. Cottrell, Laura Vasquez and Eddie Miller present. Board
President Juanita Dempsey and Board Member Bruce BonDurant were absent. Also present were
Police Chief Darryl Boykins, Fire Chief Howard Buchanon, and Board Attorney Thomas Bodnar.
The meeting was held in the Board of Public Works Meeting Room, 13th Floor County City
Building, South Bend, Indiana.
Board members discussed the following items from that list:
- Resolution No. 49 -2011 — Commendation to Andre Gammage
Mr. Bodnar informed the Board that Andre Gammage contracts with the City as a Hearing
Officer. He is being commended for saving a potential suicide victim's life along with
Patrolmen Ron Glon and Kevin Gibbons, by talking to the individual and eventually pulling
him off the edge of a bridge. Chief Boykins noted that Mr. Gammage was responsible for
calling the Police for assistance.
- Promotions to Patrolman 1St Class — Police Department
Police Chief Darryl Boykins stated these three (3) patrolmen being promoted have all served
three (3) years on the force, and all started as Patrolmen with the new rank system.
- Promotions to Special Assignment — Police Department
Chief Boykins stated both of these officers have served as sergeants a long time and both
have done a very good job. He noted Sergeant Tim Lancaster served on the Family Violence
Unit and Sergeant Joseph Galea served on the day shift and stepped up to do the detailing on
that shift. Mr. Cottrell asked if they would be present. Chief Boykins stated they would be at
the meeting.
Employee of the Month — Police Department
Chief Boykins informed the Board that Patrolman Ryan Hiipakka is being honored for his
assistance in solving a burglary. When Long John Silver's Restaurant was robbed, Patrolman
Hiipakka spotted and pursued the suspected vehicle that had been seen on video from a
previous burglary at the restaurant. He called in for assistance and the vehicle was pursued,
stopped and circled, and the suspects apprehended. Chief Boykins noted that Patrolman
Hiipakka is also one of the Patrolmen being promoted to Patrolman 1St Class today.
Monthly Statistical Analysis — June 2011 — Police Department
Chief Boykins noted that burglaries are extremely high right now. He stated the team of
officers working this detail is doing a great job of getting confessions out of suspects that
lead to the resolution of other crimes. He noted the arrest of an out -of -state suspect often
solves other crimes previously not known to be related.
Duty Manual Changes — Fire Department
Fire Chief Howard Buchanon stated the new Duty Manual includes changes to policies relate
to Social Media, Tattoos, Hair, AWOL, Late Time, and Sick Time. He noted the new Late
Time Policy allows four (4) late days before a letter of warning is sent, and on the fifth late
day the individual will come before the Board of Safety. The change to the Sick Days Policy
requires an individual to call in sick by 6:30 a.m.; an extension from the previous 5:00 a.m.
deadline. Chief Buchanon noted the AWOL Policy has been amended to allow a Firefighter
to come in to work if they call in to notify the Department that they overslept by 9:00 a.m.
They will get charged a late day, but they will be able to work. Previously, the Chief noted,
they were not allowed to come in to work at all if they overslept. Chief Buchanon stated the
new policy on tattoos is based on the Police Department's policy and requires that all tattoos
be covered completely. He noted arm tattoos require long - sleeves in the summer if visible
with short- sleeves. Ms. Vasquez asked if they would be having a meeting with the Firemen
to make them aware of the new policies. Chief Buchanon stated once the Board of Safety
approved the changes, they would be distributed to all personnel and they will have a month
to read and understand the policy changes. If there is a need, the Chief noted, they will have
meetings in September to go over any issues. Chief Buchanon noted that these changes are
mandatory, so the employees don't have a say in the issue. Mr. Miller questioned whether
someone applying for either the Police or Fire Department would have a problem getting the
job if they have obvious tattoos. Chief Boykins stated no, as long as they are able to be
covered completely.
Monthly Statistical Analysis — June 2011 — Fire Department
Fire Chief Howard Buchanon noted that Station No. 3 surpassed all other stations on runs for
PUBLIC AGENDA SESSION
JULY 20, 2011 34
the month of June. He stated that is not normal and he isn't sure why they were so high. The
Chief noted that normally Stations Nos. 1 and 2 have the highest number of runs. Mr. Bodnar
noted the numbers were high due to medical runs.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Board, Mr. Cottrell declared the meeting
adjourned at 8:28 a.m.
ATTEST:
nda M .Martin, Clerl
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Juanita Dempsey, President
� c
Patrick D. Cottre 1, Member
Bruce J. BonDurant, Member
aura A. Vasquez, Member
Eddie Miller, Member
EXECUTIVE SESSION JULY 20, 2011
The Board of Public Safety met in the Executive Session on Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 8:32 a.m.
The meeting was held in the Mayor's Conference Room, 14th Floor, County City Building, South
Bend, Indiana, for the purposes specified in I.C. 5- 14- 1.5 -6.1 (b) (2) (B) and (b) (6) (A). Board
Members Patrick Cottrell, Laura Vasquez, and Eddie Miller were present. Board President Juanita
Dempsey and Board Member Bruce BonDurant were absent. Also present were Police Chief Darryl
Boykins, Fire Chief Howard Buchanon, and Board Attorney Thomas Bodnar. Board members did
not discuss any subject matter other than the subject matter as specified in the Public Notice. The
meeting adjourned at 9:10 a.m.
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Juanita Dempsey, President
Patrick D. Cottrell, Member
Bru"fiDuZra, ber
Lau,
Eddie Miller, Member
EST At L
da M. Martin, Clerk
REGULAR MEETING JULY 20, 2011 35
The Board of Public Safety met in the regular meeting at 9:18 a.m. on Wednesday, July 20, 2011,
with Board Members Patrick Cottrell, Laura Vasquez, and Eddie Miller present. Board President
Juanita Dempsey and Board Member Bruce BonDurant were absent. Also present were Police Chief
Darryl Boykins, Fire Chief Howard Buchanon and Board Attorney Thomas Bodnar.
The meeting was held in the Board of Public Works Meeting Room, 13`" Floor County City
Building, South Bend, Indiana.
ACCEPT MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Mr. Cottrell advised that if there were no objections by members of the Board, the Minutes of the
Public Agenda Session, Executive Session, and Regular Meetings of the Board held on June 15,
2011 would be accepted as presented.
POLICE DEPARTMENT
ACCEPT AND APPROVE PROMOTIONS
- Kyle Drury
- Alexander Gutierrez
- Ryan Hiipakka
In a letter to the Board, Chief Boykins recommended that Patrolmen 2nd Class Kyle Drury, Alexander
Gutierrez, and Ryan Hiipakka be promoted to the rank of Patrolman I" Class effective August 11,
2011. Chief Boykins stated in his letter that all of the candidates have successfully completed three
(3) years of service with the South Bend Police Department. Upon a motion made by Ms. Vasquez,
seconded by Mr. Miller and carried, the recommended promotions were approved.
ACCEPT AND APPROVE PROMOTION TO SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT — TIM LANCASTER
In a letter to the Board, Chief Boykins recommended that Sergeant Tim Lancaster be promoted to the
rank of Lieutenant in Special Assignment in the 3`d Detail Patrol Division effective July 20, 2011.
Chief Boykins noted in his letter that Sergeant Lancaster will be on a probationary period of one
year, and he was sworn on to the department on June 25, 1997. Upon a motion made by Ms.
Vasquez, seconded by Mr. Miller and carried, the recommended promotion to Special Assignment
was approved effective July 20, 2011. Chief Boykins stated that Lieutenant Lancaster wasn't in
uniform so he couldn't pin his badge on him. The Chief presented Lieutenant Lancaster with his
badge and congratulated him. The Board of Safety joined the Chief in congratulating Lieutenant
Lancaster.
ACCEPT AND APPROVE PROMOTION TO SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT — JOSEPH GALEA
In a letter to the Board, Chief Boykins recommended that Sergeant Joseph Galea be promoted to the
rank of Lieutenant in Special Assignment in the 1 st Detail Patrol Division effective July 20, 2011.
Chief Boykins noted in his letter that Sergeant Galea will be on a probationary period of one year,
and he was sworn on to the department on January 2, 1996. Upon a motion made by Ms. Vasquez,
seconded by Mr. Miller and carried, the recommended promotion to Special Assignment was
approved effective July 20, 2011. Chief Boykins stated that Lieutenant Lancaster was wearing his
vest so he also couldn't pin his badge on him. The Chief presented Lieutenant Galea with his badge
and congratulated him. The Board of Safety joined the Chief in congratulating Lieutenant Galea.
ACCEPT AND APPROVE RETIREMENT — DONALD MILLER
Mr. Cottrell advised that Chief Darryl Boykins has submitted to the Board the Application and
Declaration for Retirement for Lieutenant Donald Miller effective July 3, 2011. Chief Boykins noted
that he has served the Department with loyalty and distinction during the last thirty-seven (37) years,
and twenty-six (26) days. Chief Boykins joined the Board in thanking him for his commitment,
dedication and years of distinguished service to the South Bend Police Department and the citizens
of South Bend. Members also wished him a long and happy retirement. Upon a motion made by Ms.
Vasquez, seconded by Mr. Miller and carried, the retirement was accepted and approved effective
July 3, 2011.
ACCEPT RECOMMENDATION FOR EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH — RYAN HIIPAKKA -
APRIL 2011
Chief Boykins stated that Patrolman Ryan Hiipakka was selected as Employee of the Month for
REGULAR MEETING JULY 20, 2011 36
April, 2011. The award is to. recognize officers, civilian employees, on the South Bend Police
Department who have demonstrated actions noted by supervisors or citizens from both a professional
law enforcement position and in support of the community policing efforts with citizens of South
Bend. Chief Boykins stated Patrolman Hiipakka did an outstanding job of apprehending a Long John
Silver's Restaurant robbery suspect along with the Detective Division. There being no further
discussion, the recommendation was accepted for filing.
FILING OF MONTHLY STATISTICAL ANALYSIS REPORT — JUNE 2011
Mr. Cottrell indicated that unless there were questions or objections by members of the Board, the
statistical analysis report for the month of June, 2011, as submitted by the Police Department, would
be accepted for filing. There being no objections, the following report was accepted for filing:
JUNE JUNE YEAR TO DATE
PART I OFFENSES 2010 2011 CHANGE (10) JUI CHANGE
MURDER 2 0 - 2 3 5 + 2
RAPE
3
4 +
1
25
29
+ 4
ROBBERY
25
34 +
9
155
170
+ 15
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT
33
28 -
5
154
122
- 32
BURGLARY RESIDENT
166
153 -
13
826
718
- 108
BURGLARY NON
RESIDENT
74
54 -
20
231
214
- 17
LARCENY
278
340 +
62
1555
1605
+ 50
MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT
36
36
0
158
149
- 9
ARSONS
5
1 -
4
21
20
- 1
GRAND TOTAL
622
650 +
28
3128
3032
- 96
FIRE DEPARTMENT
APPROVE DUTY MANUAL CHANGES
In a letter to the Board, Fire Chief Howard Buchanon requested they approve the updated South
Bend Fire Department Duty Manual. He noted that changes have been made from time to time but
most recently June 13, 2011. Upon a motion by Ms. Vasquez, seconded by Mr. Miller and carried,
the Duty Manual was approved with the updated changes.
FILING OF MONTHLY STATISTICAL ANALYSIS REPORT — JUNE 2011
Chief Howard Buchanon submitted to the Board the monthly report for the month of June 2011
compiled by the Prevention/Inspection Bureau of the Fire Department. Mr. Cottrell stated if there
were no objections, the Board would accept the report for filing as presented.
A summary is as follows:
June
June
2010
2011
STRUCTURE FIRES
Property Damage -- Buildings & Contents
(Estimates)
$89,450.00 $111,635.00
INSPECTIONS
(Fire Prevention/Inspection Bureau)
324 Inspections
115 Inspections
126 Re-Inspections
63 Re-Inspections
INVESTIGATIONS
(Police /Fire Arson Bureau)
20
11
Investigations
Investi ations
5
1
Arsons
Arson
ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 49 -2011 — COMMENDATION TO ANDRE GAMMAGE
Mr. Cottrell read the following Resolution to those present:
RESOLUTION N0.49 -2011
COMMENDATION TO
ANDRE GAMMA GE
REGULAR MEETING
JULY 20, 2011 37
WHEREAS, the Board of Public Safety wishes to issue Commendations to individuals who
perform meritorious service on behalf of the citizens of this Community, and;
WHEREAS, such service shall be recognized by the Board of Public Safety and appropriate
Commendation shall be presented to the individual performing said meritorious service.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Commendation be given to:
ANDRE GAMMA GE
On June 17, 2011, shortly after 1:30 p.m. Andre Gammage, while driving on the Sample
Street Bridge, noticed a young man on the outside of the railing of the bridge. This individual was
not holding on to either the railing or the concrete base for support. Gammage stopped his car, called
the police department, exited his car and approached the young man. Gammage engaged the young
man in conversation concerning his intentions until a police car arrived. The young man stated that
he had no reason to live, no friends and no job. When a police officer, Patrolman Ron Glon, arrived
he and Gammage continued to talk to the young man in an attempt to dissuade him from suicide.
Finally, when it became clear from his actions and words that the young man was about to jump into
the St. Joseph River, South Bend Police Patrolmen Ron Glon and Kevin Gibbons, lunged at and
grabbed the young man and pulled him back over the railing to safety.
In his report, Patrolman Ron Glon says:
If it wasn't for Andre Gammage talking to the victim until Officer Glon and Gibbons arrived,
victim most likely would have jumped into the river and drowned. I feel that Andre Gammage helped
save Mr. ...'s life. Andre did a wonderful job as a citizen getting involved.
By his quick recognition of the potential problem, clear thinking, soothing voice and honest
concern for the safety of the young man, Andre Gammage was instrumental in saving a life by
preventing a suicide.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Andre Gammage be commended and recognized by the
City of South Bend for his selfless actions and involvement in the community.
Dated this 20th day of July, 2011.
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY OF THE
CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA
s /Patrick D. Cottrell, Member
s /Laura Vasquez, Member
s /Eddie L. Miller, Member
ATTEST:
s /Linda M. Martin, Clerk
Mr. Gammage was present and stated his response was just a normal reaction. He stated it was obvious
that the individual was intent on committing suicide or was just being very careless and reckless. He
stated he pulled over and approached the individual and talked to him as if they were on an elevator. Mr.
Gammage noted the Fire and Police Departments did an excellent job. He stated when the individual was
pulled off the bridge, Mr. Gammage told him wherever he was taken, he would go with him. The
individual was taken to the hospital, so he went there and talked with him. He told the individual he
would buy him new shoes because he had thrown his shoes into the river. Mr. Gammage stated when he
thought about it later he was disappointed to see that nobody else stopped to try to help when this person
was on the bridge, obviously in trouble. He stated he never gave it a second thought; it was just a normal
reaction.
Upon a motion by Ms. Vasquez, seconded by Mr. Miller and carried, the Resolution was approved
by the Board of Public Safety.
REGULAR MEETING
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further
adjourned at 9:35 a.m.
ATTEST:
i da M. Martin, Clerk
JULY 20, 2011 38
business to come before the Board, Mr. Cottrell declared the meeting
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Juanita Dempsey, President
J� //
Patrick D. CottreI4 Member
Bruce J. BonQbrant, Member
A. Vasquez, Member
Eddie Miller, Member