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Home My WebLink About2025 04-16 Board of Public Safety Meeting Minutes APRIL16, 2025 33 I. REGULAR MEETING The Board of Public Safety met in the Regular Meeting at 9:21 a.m. on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 with Board President Dan Jones, and Board Members Darryl Heller (absent), Lee Ross (virtual), Al Kirsits, and Pamela Claeys were present. Also, Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski, Fire Chief Carl Buchanon, and Attorneys Danielle Campbell Weiss, Adam Taylor, Kylie Connell, and Board Clerk Theresa Heffner. The meeting was held in Classroom #1, Central Fire Station, 1222 S. Michigan Street, South Bend, Indiana and virtually via Microsoft Teams at the following link: https://tinyurl.com/2025BPSHybrid Attorney Weiss asked that everyone mute their microphone when not speaking and reminded attendees that comments from the public should be saved for the Privilege of the Floor portion of the meeting. Attorney Weiss then read through the agenda to note any additions or corrections. A. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS Board President Dan Jones welcomed the public, called roll, and confirmed the presence of the Board Members. B. APPROVE MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS Upon a motion by Pam Claeys, seconded by Al Kirsits and carried by roll call, the Board approved the Minutes of the March 19, 2025, regular meeting. C. POLICE DEPARTMENT 1. APPROVE REHIRING OF PROBATIONARY POLICE OFFICER – THOMAS PETRIZZO Police Chief Ruszkowski submitted a letter asking the Board to approve the rehiring of Thomas Petrizzo as a probationary police officer effective April 16, 2025. He previously left for personal reasons but wishes to return. He does not need to be sworn in again because it has been less than a year since he left. Upon a motion by Pam Claeys, seconded by Al Kirsits, and followed by a roll call, the Board approved the rehiring of Officer Petrizzo. 2. APPROVE PROMOTION TO LIEUTENANT IN SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT – BRYAN MILLER Chief Ruszkowski submitted a letter to inform the Board of the promotion of Sergeant Bryan Miller to the rank of Lieutenant – Patrol Unit K9 Coordinator, on special assignment in the Patrol Division with a probationary period of one (1) year. The effective date of his promotion will be April 16, 2025. Assistant Chief Skibbins provided a brief bio, highlighting Miller's extensive experience and achievements, including his service in the Marine Corps, his role as a SWAT team member, and his work as a K9 handler and trainer. He will be pinned by his wife Lieutenant Kayla Miller. Upon a motion by Al Kirsits, seconded by Pam Claeys, and followed by a roll call, the Board approved the Promotion to Lieutenant in Special Assignment for Bryan Miller. 3. ACCEPT LETTER OF RESIGNATION – TONY THOMAS Chief Ruszkowski submitted a letter of resignation from Officer Tony Thomas with an effective date of April 30, 2025. The Board accepted the Letter of Resignation. 4. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF COMMENDATIONS (LIFE SAVING AWARDS) Kassandra Duran Alan Wiegand Ryan Hintz Joshua Pennington Chief Ruszkowski stated that Officers Wigand, Hintz, and Duran were commended for their quick response in performing CPR on an unconscious eighteen (18) year old, successfully reviving him with the help of medics. Officer Pennington was commended for APRIL16, 2025 34 rescuing a seven (7) year old from a house fire, breaching the door, and saving her life just in time. Chief Ruszkowski commended their efforts. The Board also commended the officers’ actions and stated that they would be receiving commendation coins. 5. FILE 1ST QUARTER REPORT FOR SPECIALIZED SCHOOLS Chief Scott Ruszkowski submitted the quarterly report for specialized schools that includes specialized training and travel associated with members of the South Bend police department. 6. FILE MONTHLY STATISTICAL ANALYSIS REPORT MARCH 2025 Chief Scott Ruszkowski submitted the monthly statistical analysis report for March 2025 and stated there was an eleven percent (11%) decrease in Part One Offenses. Chief Ruszkowski also noted that even though it looks like rapes are going up, he believes it is because more victims feel comfortable coming forward. D. FIRE DEPARTMENT 1. APPROVE PROMOTIONS FOR CAPTAIN a. Jon Knepp b. David Tague c. Erin Tibbs d. Kevin Brown Chief Carl Buchanon submitted a letter to the Board requesting the Board approve the promotion of the above listed individuals to Captain no longer in Special Assignment. These promotions were based on their outstanding performance and leadership abilities as demonstrated through various evaluations and special assignments. Upon a motion by Al Kirsits, seconded by Pam Claeys, and followed by a roll call, the Board approved the promotions. 2. APPROVE APPLICATION AND DECLARATION FOR RETIREMENT a. Matthew Beebe b. Thomas Miller Chief Carl Buchanon submitted the Declaration of Retirement Letters for the above listed APRIL16, 2025 35 individuals for approval. He noted that Captain Matthew Bebe served the South Bend Fire Department for twenty-eight (28) years, including significant time as an arson investigator. His expertise and leadership were highly valued, and he chose to return to station duties to mentor younger firefighters. Chief Buchanon noted that Captain Thomas Miller served the South Bend Fire Department for thirty-four (34) years. He is known for his exemplary leadership and calm demeanor in high-pressure situations. He was a captain on both engine and ladder companies, significantly contributing to the department's success. He asked the Board join him in appreciation and gratitude for their commitment and dedicated service to the City of South Bend and the South Bend Fire Department. The Board expressed gratitude for Bebe's commitment and dedication, wishing him success and good health in his retirement. His son continues his legacy as a member of the department. They also expressed appreciation for Miller's dedication and leadership, wishing him well in his retirement. His contributions to the department and the community were highly praised. Upon a motion by Pam Claeys, seconded by Al Kirsits, and followed by a roll call, the Board approved the Declaration of Retirement for Captain Bebe and Captain Miller. 3. FILE QUARTERLY TRAVEL AND TRAINING REPORT Chief Carl Buchanon submitted the quarterly report for travel and training associated with members of the South Bend Fire Department. 4. FILE MONTHLY STATISTICAL ANALYSIS REPORT FOR MARCH 2025 Chief Carl Buchanon submitted the monthly statistical analysis report for March 2025. He offered to answer any questions that the Board had. Pam Claeys asked about the effectiveness of Brycer. She also asked what a locked inspection meant. Chief Buchanon stated that it is still too early to tell if it is an effective tool. He added that a locked inspection means that when the inspector arrived for an inspection the building was locked. This happens a lot when companies have citations and they have not yet dealt with them so they try to delay the inspection. E. UPDATE REGARDING TRANSITION TO MERIT BOARDS Attorney Weiss referred to Attorney Adam Taylor and Attorney Kylie Connell for an APRIL16, 2025 36 update. Attorney Taylor reported that the Police Merit Board had elected all representatives and scheduled their first meeting for May 2nd. The meeting will cover an overview of responsibilities, election of officers, and adoption of rules and bylaws. Attorney Connell provided an update on the Fire Merit Board, which had its first meeting on April 2nd. The Board is reviewing preliminary procedures, bylaws, and an electronic meeting resolution. They aim to have procedures in place by July. F.PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR Attorney Weiss reminded the public to use the hand-raising function of Microsoft Teams to indicate their desire to speak during Privilege of the Floor. She reminded attendees that they would be allotted three (3) minutes to speak. G.ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board, upon a motion by Pam Claeys, seconded by Al Kirsits, and carried by roll call, the meeting was adjourned at 10:04 a.m. BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY Daniel Jones, President Darryl Heller, Member _________________________________ Ross Lee, Member ______________________________ Al Kirsits, Member ______________________________ Pamela Claeys, Member ATTEST: ___________________________ Theresa Heffner, Clerk