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Home My WebLink About2026 7-7 Police Merit Board Meeting Minutes -July 7, 2026 I. EXECUTIVE SESSION The Merit Board met in Executive Session on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 11:03 a.m. with Board members Eugene Eyster, Daniel Jones, Pam Claeys, Ray Owens, and Brantley Taylor, and Board Interim Attorney Danielle Campbell Weiss. Also in attendance were Chief Ruszkowski and Assistant City Attorney Kylie Connell. The meeting was held at the South Bend Police Department, Comstat Room, 701 W. Sample Street, South Bend, IN for purposes as specified in IC 5-14-1.4-6.1(b)(6)(A) to receive information concerning alleged misconduct over whom the Board has jurisdiction, and IC 5-14-1.5-6.1(b)(19) to have communications with an attorney that are subject to the attorney-client privilege. No subject matter was discussed during the executive session other than the subject matter specified in the public notice. The meeting was adjourned at 11:27 a.m. POLICE MERIT BOARD _____________________________ Eugene Eyster, President _____________________________ Pamela Claeys, Vice President _____________________________ Daniel Jones, Member ATTEST: ___________________________ Crystal Phillips, Board Clerk II. REGULAR MEETING The Police Merit Board met at 11:31 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, with Board President Eugene Eyster, Vice President Pam Claeys, Secretary Brantley Taylor, Board Members Dan Jones, and Ray Owens present. Also, Board Interim Attorney Danielle Campbell Weiss, Assistant City Attorney Kylie Connell, Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski, Division Chief Tim Lancaster, Division Chief Tomar Thomas, Captain Maranda Baker, Board Clerk Crystal Phillips, several other South Bend Police Department personnel, and members of the public were present. The meeting was July 7, 2026 held at SBPD, Auditorium, 701 W. Sample Street, South Bend, IN and virtually via Microsoft Teams at the following link: https://tinyurl.com/Merit-Board-Meeting-SBPD-2026 CALL TO ORDER President Eugene Eyster called the meeting to order at 11:31 a.m. A.ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS President Eugene Eyster confirmed the presence of board members, Vice President Pam Claeys, Secretary Brantley Taylor, Board Members Dan Jones, and Ray Owens. B.APPROVE MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING Upon a motion made by Dan Jones, seconded by Pam Claeys, the Board unanimously approved the minutes for the Regular Meeting of the Board held on June 2, 2026. C. Acknowledgments of Promotions a.Patrol Division Chief Tomar Thomas. Chief Tomar Thomas gave a brief biography of his career. b.Patrol Captain Maranda Baker. Captain Maranda Baker gave a brief biography of her career. D.Accept Promotion of Permanent Sergeant a.Chief Ruszkowski gave a brief overview of the training Andrew Jackson completed to become a Permanent Sergeant. President Eyster called for a motion. Upon a motion by Pam Claeys, seconded by Brantley Taylor, the Board Approved the promotion. E.Accept Promotion of Permanent Lieutenant a.Chief Ruszkowski gave a brief overview of Detective Hines work ethic and dedication. Captain Kayla Miller also noted that he is a family man. President Eyster called for a motion. Upon a motion by Dan Jones, seconded by Pam Claeys, the Board approved the promotion. F.Accept Promotion of Probationary Lieutenant a.Eugene Eyster called for a motion to approve promotion of Sergeant Daniel Demler to probationary Lieutenant. Chief Ruszkowski gave Captain Baker the floor to present a brief biography of Demler’s 34 years of service, and he was pinned by his wife. Upon a motion by Dan Jones, second by Pam Claeys, the Board approved the promotion. G.Accept Letter of Retirement a.Chief Ruszkowski provided the notice of retirement for Sergeant Kevin Gibbons. Sergeant Gibbons served 40 years and one day as a South Bend Police Officer. H.Accept Letter of Resignation a.Acknowledgement of Resignation of probationary officer Jeremiah Annis sworn in May 2026. I.COMMENDATIONS July 7, 2026 Chief Ruszkowski provided a summary of each commendation recipient. J.APPROVE LETTERS OF RECOMMENDED DISCIPLIANRY ACTION July 7, 2026 a.Officer David Finn (letter dated June 2, 2026): Chief Ruszkowski submitted a letter dated June 2, 2026 recommended disciplinary action for Officer Davis Finn. Officer Finn has served 12 days relieved of duty/suspended without pay. Attorney Kylie Connell stated this matter began with the Board of Public Safety, but during the transition of these matters to the Police Merit Board, there was an error and official approval by the Merit Board did not take place. Officer Finn has accepted this discipline and does not wish to request a hearing. b.Officer David Finn (letter dated June 11, 2026): Eugene Eyster continued with Officer Finn’s second disciplinary recommendation for a separate incident. Attorney Kylie Connell noted the Internal Affairs investigation has concluded, prompting Chief Ruszkowski to submit a letter of recommended disciplinary/corrective action, which recommends that Officer David Finn be relieved of duty for 30 days without pay, with a performance improvement plan along with mandatory counseling. Officer Finn has indicated he also accepts this discipline and does not wish to request a hearing. Eugune Eyster called for a motion on the approval of both disciplinary actions for Officer David Finn. A motion was made by Pam Claeys, seconded by Brantley Taylor, and the Board separately approved the letter of recommended disciplinary action for Officer David Finn dated June 2, 2026 and the letter of recommended disciplinary action for Officer David Finn dated June 11, 2026. K.PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR There were no individuals online or in person wishing to speak. L.ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board, upon the motion by Dan Jones, seconded by Pam Claeys, and carried by roll call, the meeting was adjourned at 11:50 am. POLICE MERIT BOARD ___________________________ Eugene Eyster, President _____________________________ Pamela Claeys, Vice President _____________________________ Daniel Jones, Member ATTEST: ___________________________ Crystal Phillips, Board Clerk