HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026 04-15 BPS Meeting Minutes - FinalAPRIL 15, 2026 15
I.REGULAR MEETING
The Board of Public Safety met in the Regular Meeting at 9:15 a.m. on Wednesday,
April15, 2026 with Board President Charles King III, and Members Al Kirsits, Pamela Claeys,
were present. Also, Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski, Fire Chief Carl Buchanon, and Attorneys
Danielle Weiss, Adam Taylor, Kylie Connell and Board Clerk Hillary Horvath
were in attendance. The meeting was held in 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.
A.ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS
President Charlies King 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 March 25, 2026, regular meeting.
C.POLICE DEPARTMENT
1.ACKNOWLEDGE YEARS OF SERVICE RONDALL CLARK JR.
Chief Ruszkowski stated Patrolman First Class Rondall Clark Jr. has retired from
SBPD. Chief noted that Officer Clark served four (4) years, four (4) months, and
one (1) day with a retirement date of April 16, 2026. Chief Ruszkowski asked the
Board to join him, wishing him success in his endeavors, along with thanking him
for his many years of service with the SBPD.
2.ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COMMENDATION (LIFE SAVING AWARD)
NATHANIEL TABORN
Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski submitted a Commendation Recommendation
Report for the Nathaniel Taborn. Chief Ruskowski stated Officer Taborn’s quick
action and life saving measures saved an individual’s life. Chief Ruskowski
commended his efforts. The Board also commended Officer Taborn’s actions.
3.RECEIVE NOTIFICATION OF APPLICATION FOR 2025 ANNUAL JUSTICE
ASSISTANCE GRANT
Chief Ruszkowski submitted a letter on behalf of Sergeant Knepper stating that the
SBPD will be applying for the 2025 Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grand Award
in the amount of $127,179 on behalf of the SBPD, and the St. Joseph County Police
Department. Sergeant Knepper stated last year the department did not receive any
grant awards from the federal government because of the shutdowns and freezes
and noted this is an unusual time of year to be receiving the award and that the 2026
should come to them around July. Sergeant Knepper stated St. Joseph County will
be awarded $13,599 and the City of South Bend will be awarded $113,580.
4.FILE 1st QUARTER REPORT FOR SPECIALIZED SCHOOLS
Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski submitted the 1ST Quarter Report for Specialized
Schools and noted the total for January, February, and March 2026 was $32,026.13.
He noted most trainings occur outside of standard police department programs,
with some conducted online or involving outside agencies. The department also
covers training costs for certain civilian staff positions.
5.FILE MONTHLY STATISTICAL ANALYSIS REPORT FOR MARCH 2026
Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski submitted the March 2026 Monthly Statistical
Report and noted there was an 1% decrease in Part One crimes.
APRIL 15, 2026 16
D. FIRE DEPARTMENT
1. FILE QUARTLY TRAVEL & TRAINING REPORT
Chief Carl Buchanon Submitted the Quarterly Report for Travel and Training
Expenses for January, February, and March 2026. Chief Buchanon stated that the
total expense was $17,413. Chief Buchanon noted the higher cost was due to
numerous conferences, certifications, and specialized training opportunities. These
included events like the Community Risk Reduction Conference, which Melissa
Stephens-Brown (Media Coordinator) attended. Chief noted she is doing a
phenomenal job at the SBFD and she was able to network and gain more
knowledge and wisdom and offered a great report with useful information. Chief
Buchanon emphasized the value of these trainings in keeping personnel up to date
with evolving practices and highlighted that many opportunities were only
available in the first quarter, making it the most practical time to attend.
Additionally, Chief shared an update on a new Rosenbauer heavy-duty rescue
truck, replacing a nearly 20-year-old unit. The new vehicle is expected to be among
the most advanced of its kind and will soon be in service for the community.
APRIL 15, 2026 17
2. FILE MONTHLY STATISTICAL ANALYSIS REPORT FOR MARCH 2026
Chief Buchanon submitted the monthly statistical analysis report for March 2026
and explained that the statistical reports were streamlined to provide more concise
information, though additional detail—such as individual station run data—was
requested and will be shared via a dashboard moving forward. Response times
generally average 2–3 minutes, with longer times at Station 11 due to its location
and role as a secondary responder. Chief Buchanon also noted 240 inspections and
97 re-inspections in March, highlighting the workload managed by only three
inspectors responsible for a large number of commercial properties.
APRIL 15, 2026 18
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 Pam Claeys,
seconded by Al Kirsits, and carried by roll call, the meeting was adjourned at 9:37 a.m.
APRIL 15, 2026 19
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Charles King III, President
______________________________
Alfred Kirsits, Member
______________________________
Pamela Claeys, Member
ATTEST:
___________________________
Hillary R. Horvath, Clerk