HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025 12-17 BPS Meeting Minutes - FinalDECEMBER 17, 2025 72
I.REGULAR MEETING
The Board of Public Safety met in the Regular Meeting at 9:17 a.m. on Wednesday,
December 17, 2025 with Board President Dan Jones, and Board Members Al Kirsits, Lee
Ross (not present), 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 Hillary Horvath were in attendance. The meeting was held on
the Council Chambers 3rd Floor, South Bend City Hall Bldg., 215 S. Dr. Martin Luther King
Jr Blvd., South Bend, Indiana and virtually via Microsoft Teams at the following link:
https://tinyurl.com/2025-2026-BPS
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 Al Kirsits, seconded by Pam Claeys and carried by roll call, the Board
approved the Minutes of November 19, 2025 regular meeting.
C.POLICE DEPARTMENT
1.APPROVE THE 2026 SPECIAL POLICE COMMISSIONS
Upon a motion by Pam Claeys, seconded by Al Kirsits, and followed by a roll call,
the 2026 Special Police Commissions were approved.
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2.FILE MONTHLY STATISTICAL ANALYSIS REPORT FOR NOVEMBER 2025
Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski submitted the November 2025 Monthly Statistical
Report and stated there was an 6% decrease in Part One crimes.
D.FIRE DEPARTMENT
1.ACCEPT DONATION FROM THE MICHIANA KENNEL CLUB
Chief Buchanon submitted a letter to the Board informing them of a donation of
$500 in the form of a check from Michiana Kennel Club to go towards purchasing
pet resuscitation equipment. Ms. Claeys asked about how many resuscitation units
were available. Fire Marshall Derek Erquhart responded by saying there’s at least
two or three per unit. President Jones accepted the donation on behalf of the board
and asked Chief Buchanon to express his gratitude for said donation.
2.APPROVE LEXIPOL POLICY
1000- Recruitment and Selection
1006 – Fire Officer Developmen
1015 – Wellness Program
1017 - Critical Incident Street Debriefing
1028 – Line of Duty Death
1200 – South Bend Fire Department Merit Commission
Attorney Taylor stated the above policies 1000, 1006, 1015, 1017, 1028 are
established and are only being updated and policy 1200 is a new policy. Attorney
Adam Taylor asked the Board to review and approve at the next meeting.
3.FILE MONTHLY STATISTICAL ANALYSIS REPORT FOR NOVEMBER 2025
Chief Buchanon submitted the monthly statistical analysis report for November
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2025.
E.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.
F.ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Board, upon a motion by Al
Kirsits, seconded by Pam Claeys, and carried by roll call, the meeting was adjourned
at 9:36 a.m.
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Daniel Jones, President
_________________________________
Ross Lee, Member
______________________________
Al Kirsits, Member
______________________________
Pamela Claeys, Member
ATTEST:
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Hillary Horvath, Clerk