HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026 05-20 BPS Meeting Minutes - Final MAY 20, 2026 20
I. REGULAR MEETING
The Board of Public Safety met in the Regular Meeting at 9:15 a.m. on Wednesday, May
20, 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 Charles King III 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 Pamela Claeys and carried by roll call, the
Board approved the Minutes of April 15, 2026, regular meeting.
C. POLICE DEPARTMENT
1. ACKNOWLEDGE YEARS OF SERVICE JOSEPH LESZCYNSKI
Chief Ruszkowski stated Chief Joseph Leszcynski has retired from SBPD. Chief
noted that Chief Leszcynski served thirty-seven (37) years, two (2) months, and
one (1) day with a retirement date of June 6, 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 SWORN IN OFFICERS
The Board formally acknowledged the following new sworn officers on the South
Bend Police Department. President King III began reading the names as Jeremiah
Annis, James Buchmann, Lance Clark, Nicholas Godbey, Karla González Muñoz,
Bryce Hampton, Lindsey Hinkle, Alondra Pedraza, Anthony Phuc Quan, Gordon
Wendland. The board continued with congratulating them on their appointment
and commitment to serve.
Chief Ruskowski added that the officers had already been sworn in during a special
merit board meeting the previous week, and this portion of the meeting was
primarily for formal acknowledgment. The Chief also shared that leadership spent
about two and a half hours meeting with the recruits to discuss the realities,
responsibilities, and guiding principles of policing, encouraging them to remember
the oath they took and uphold it during both good and difficult times.
Member Kirsits then asked if any were lateral or new recruits. Chief Ruskowski
responded saying they were all new recruits. Then briefly spoke on the academy
and how long the process was but will also have at least three more months of
training before they’re out active on the streets.
3. FILE MONTHLY STATISTICAL ANALYSIS REPORT FOR APRIL 2026
Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski submitted the April 2026 Monthly Statistical Report
and an overall 5% decrease in major crimes. However, reported burglaries appear to
be increasing due to a change in FBI reporting rules (NIBRS), which now counts each
separate incident, even at the same location as its own report. This makes the
numbers look higher, even though actual crime activity may not have increased.
MAY 20, 2026 21
D. FIRE DEPARTMENT
ACKNOWLEDGE YEARS OF SERVICE
Allen Hardison
Timothy Pletcher
Chief Buchanon submitted an acknowledgement years of service for First-Class
Firefighter Allen Hardison, and First-Class Firefighter Timothy Pletcher. Chief
Stated Firefighter Hardison has retired from the SBFD effective April 8th, 2026. He
was appointed to the department on March 29th, 1995, having served the citizens
and community for thirty-one years. While First class Firefighter Timothy Pletcher
retired from the SBFD effective May 15, 2026. He was appointed to the
MAY 20, 2026 22
department on October 25, 2000, having served the citizens and community
faithfully for twenty-five plus years. The Board recognized Firefighter Hardison
and Firefighter Pletcher from the SBFD, thanking them for their years of service,
professionalism, and dedication to the City of South Bend, and expressing
appreciation for their work in the community.
1. APPROVE LEXIPOL POLICES
102 – Policy Manual
203 – Training Policy
500 – Electronic Health Care Record
600 – Fire Apparatus Driver/Operator Training
605 – Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Training
611 – Respiratory Protection Training
702 – Vehicle Inspections, Testing, Maintenance, and Security
900 – Illness and Injury Prevention Program
903 – Communicable Diseases
909 – Personal Alarm Devices
1006 – Fire Officer Development
The Lexipol policies were presented for approval, focusing on enhancing safety,
health, and operational procedures within the department. The policies included
updated guidance on decontamination practices and exposure risk management, as
well as clarification of key roles such as the Exposure Control Officer (ECO), who is
responsible for developing and overseeing exposure prevention procedures.
Additional emphasis was placed on the regular cleaning and maintenance of
equipment, including commonly used items such as radios. The policies also
reinforced firefighter safety protocols, including the use of PASS alarms in
emergency situations and adherence to the buddy system to ensure accountability
during operations.
During discussion, Board members expressed general support for the policies,
noting Lexipol’s flexibility to be updated as needed. Minor clarification was
requested regarding policy formatting and practical application, including
decontamination methods and firefighter safety equipment. Questions were also
raised about the use of PASS alarms, and it was clarified that alarms are activated by
the firefighter or nearby crew members, with crews relying on the buddy system and
communication to identify emergencies.
2. FILE MONTHLY STATISTICAL ANALYSIS REPORT FOR APRIL 2026
Chief Buchanon presented the April 2026 statistical analysis report, noting that
individual station run reports were not included this month but will be provided
separately to board members. The report showed an increase in inspections, with
247 inspections and 104 re-inspections completed, attributed to improved weather
conditions and inspector availability. The Chief commended inspection staff for
their diligence despite limited resources.
For April, the department responded to 42 fires, 1,472 EMS calls, and 594 other
incidents. Efforts to install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are
ongoing, with increased activity expected in May. Community risk reduction and
public education efforts also remain strong, with outreach provided to both children
and adults through schools, churches, and other community locations.
Board members acknowledged the strong inspection and safety outreach efforts,
particularly the increase in smoke and CO alarm installations, and expressed
appreciation for the department’s proactive approach to public safety.
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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.
Chief Buchanon and Board members took the opportunity to recognize Attorney Adam
Taylor on his final Board of Public Safety meeting, thanking him for his service, legal
support, and contributions to both the Fire and Police Departments. Attorney Taylor
expressed appreciation for the opportunity to work with the departments and shared that
he will remain in the South Bend area.
Board members also offered additional remarks of appreciation, including recognition of
retiring firefighters and acknowledgment of Chief Leszczynski’s service and career.
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 9:52 a.m.
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Charles King III, President
______________________________
Alfred Kirsits, Member
______________________________
Pamela Claeys, Member
ATTEST:
___________________________
Candy Bermudez, Acting Clerk