HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026 03-25 BPS Meeting Minutes - Final MARCH 25, 2026 10
I. REGULAR MEETING
The Board of Public Safety met in the Regular Meeting at 9:15 a.m. on Wednesday, March
25, 2026 with Board Members Al Kirsits, Pamela Claeys, and Charles King III were present.
Also, Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski, Assistant Fire Chief Mike Damiano, and Attorneys Tom
Panowicz, Adam Taylor, Kylie Connell and Acting Board Clerk Candy Bermudez 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 Panowicz 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 Panowicz then read through the agenda to note
any additions or corrections; he noted that the Fire Department added item 3. 2025
Acknowledge Fire Inspector of the Year, State of Indiana, Captain Doug Hylkema.
A. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS
Attorney Panowicz welcomed the public, called roll, and confirmed the presence of the
Board Members.
B. ELECTION OF 2026 BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY PRESIDENT
Member Kirsits nominated Charles King III, seconded by Pam Claeys and carried
by roll call, the Board approved the Charles King III the 2026 Board of Public Safety
President.
C. 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 February 18, 2026, regular meeting.
D. POLICE DEPARTMENT
1. ACKNOWLEDGE YEARS OF SERVICE DAVID R. RYANS
Chief Ruszkowski stated Patrolman First Class David Ryans has retired from SBPD.
Chief noted that Officer Ryans served twenty-eight (28) years, six (6) months, and
ten (10) days with a retirement date of March 28, 2026. Chief Ruszkowski asked
the Board to join him, wishing them success in his endeavors, along with thanking
him for his many years of service with the SBPD.
2. APPROVE SPECIAL POLICE COMMISSIONS
Upon a motion by Pamela Claeys, seconded by Al Kirsits and carried by roll call, the
Board approved the Special Police Commission.
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3. FILE MONTHLY STATISTICAL ANALYSIS REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 2026
Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski submitted the February 2026 Monthly Statistical
Report and noted there was an 8% increase in Part One crimes.
E. FIRE DEPARTMENT
1. APPROVE LEXIPOL POLICIES
401 - Fire Investigations
309 - Unmanned Aerial System
Attorney Adam Taylor submitted two Lexipol Policies and explained that only
minor, non-material updates were made to certain policies—mainly changing
formal language to meet federal data tracking standards and updating references
from the NFIRS (National Fire Incident Reporting System) to the new system.
Although these changes could have been made without board approval under an
existing resolution, they were presented to the board for transparency, and
approval is being requested. Upon a motion by Pam Claeys and seconded by Al
Kirsits and followed by a roll call the Board approved the Lexipol Polices.
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2. FILE MONTHLY STATISTICAL ANALYSIS REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 2026
Chief Buchanon submitted the monthly statistical analysis report for February
2026. Assistant Chief Damiano noted 1,872 total incidents, and stated the
investigation division handled 14 investigations and 204 inspections. He also
highlighted community risk reduction efforts, including outreach events at schools,
fire station tours, and safety education for residents.
Ms. Claeys asked who does the community risk reduction. Assistant Chief Damiano
stated each shift has a designated educator who coordinates these efforts,
sometimes in response to repeated calls or community requests. Assistant Chief
Damiano addressed the common causes of fire alarms such as steam, heat, or
improper detector placement and explained that maintenance teams are
encouraged to consult service providers to correct these issues as part of ongoing
safety and prevention efforts.
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3.ACKNOWLEDGE 2025 FIRE INSPECTOR OF THE YEAR- DOUG HYLKEMA
Assistant Chief Damiano stated that each year there is a Fire Inspector Conference
held in different cities throughout the state and this year it was held in Noblesville.
Chief Damiano stated South Bend Member Doug Hylkema was awarded the 2025
Inspector of the year for the state of Indiana. Chief read a statement from Fire
Marshall Derek Erquhart recognizing Captain Hylkema for his outstanding
dedication, professionalism, and commitment to fire protection and life safety, and
highlights his strong leadership and attention to detail, noting the positive impact he
has on both personnel and the community, and commends him for setting a high
standard of excellence in the fire service.
The Board Members congratulated Captain Hylkema and noted this award was well
deserved.
E.PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR
Attorney Panowicz reminded the public to use the hand-raising function of Microsoft
Teams to indicate their desire to speak during Privilege of the Floor. He reminded
attendees that they would be allotted three (3) minutes to speak.
Member Al Kirsits recognized and thanked former president Dan Jones for his years of
service, noting his unexpected departure after the last meeting. They requested that
appreciation be entered into the official record and expressed well wishes for his future,
with an additional comment acknowledging his helpfulness in onboarding new members.
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 10:45 a.m.
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Al Kirsits, Member
______________________________
Pamela Claeys, Member
______________________________
Charles King III, Member
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ATTEST:
___________________________
Candy Bermudez, Acting Clerk