HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026 07-15 BPS Meeting Minutes - FinalJULY 15, 2026 31
I.REGULAR MEETING
The Board of Public Safety met in the Regular Meeting at 9:17 a.m. on Wednesday, July
15, 2026, with Board President Charles King III, and Board Members Al Kirsits, and Pamela
Claeys, were present. Also, Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski, Fire Chief Carl Buchanon, and
Attorney Tom Panowicz, and 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
President Charles King III 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. President King then read through the agenda to note
any additions or corrections.
A.ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS
Board 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 Pam Claeys seconded by Al Kirsits and carried by roll call, the Board
approved the Minutes of June 17, 2026, regular meeting.
C.POLICE DEPARTMENT
1.ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF LIFESAVING AWARD KRISTIN STANTZ
Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski submitted a letter recognizing Officer Stantz for her
prompt response and lifesaving actions, which resulted in saving an individual's life.
Chief Ruszkowski also commended Officer Stantz for going above and beyond by
remaining with the individual, providing support, and encouraging them to seek
additional medical treatment, to which the individual agreed. In recognition of her
exemplary service and professionalism, Chief Ruszkowski stated this award
included a ribbon, home letter and recognition at the annual ceremony. The Board
expressed its appreciation for Officer Stantz's outstanding actions and extended
its congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.
2.APPROVE AND RESCIND SPECIAL POLICE COMMISSIONS
Chief Ruszkowski submitted a letter on behalf of the Department of Community
Investment, Neighborhood Division recommending Kevin Naumann be
commissioned to issue citations for the Ordinance Violation Bureau and will also
empower to enforce the snow route and residential snow emergencies to tow
vehicles found to be in violation. Chief noted that this commission does not
authorize the powers of arrest nor the carrying or use of a weapon.
Chief also requested the rescission of Scott Kinrade, Aaron Redman, Skylar
Holland, and Perla Albarran as they are no longer employed as Code Enforcement
Officers and Animal Welfare Officers.
Upon a motion by Al Kirsits, seconded by Pam Claeys and carried by a roll call, the
Board approved and rescinded the above Special Police Commissions.
3.FILE 2nd QUARTER REPORT ON SPECIALIZED SCHOOLS
Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski submitted the 2ND Quarter Report for Specialized
Schools for April, May, and June 2026 which included specialized training and travel
expenses with a total of $16,650.
JULY 15, 2026 32
4. FILE MONTHLY STATISTICAL ANALYSIS REPORT FOR JUNE 2026
Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski submitted the June 2026 Monthly Statistical Report
and stated there was an 8% decrease in Part One Crimes, 600% increase in
homicides and a 41% reduction in arson.
JULY 15, 2026 33
D. FIRE DEPARTMENT
1. ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT OF DONATION
Fire Chief Carl Buchanon submitted a letter acknowledging a donation from Tonn
and Blank Construction Company of Michigan City. Chief expressed his and the
department’s appreciation for their generous contribution of One Thousand
(1,000) Dollars. The Board accepted the donation and thanked the recipient.
2. FILE QUARTERLY TRAVEL & TRAINING REPORT
Chief Buchanon submitted the 2ND Quarter Travel and Training Report of April,
May, and June 2026 with a total expense of $16,595. Chief Buchanon stated this
includes various courses and confereneces which also include th Annual Fire
Department Instructors Conference and the EMS Billing Training. The Board
accepted the report.
JULY 15, 2026 34
3. FILE MONTHLY STATISTICAL ANALYSIS REPORT FOR JUNE 2026
Chief Buchanon submitted the monthly statistical analysis report for June 2026
with a monthly incident count of 2,002, 45 fire calls, 1,452 medical calls and 505
other calls. Chief Buchanon stated the other calls could be alarms, hazmat, swift
water, confined space, or tactical rescue.
Pam Claeys stated two reports stood out to her. The first being the use of firefighting
drones during a resort fire in the Dominican Republic. It was surprising to learn that
drones can be equipped to deliver water onto fires. Chief Buchanon stated while this
technology is not widely used in the United States, it can be an effective solution in
countries with limited firefighting resources, fewer personnel, or unsafe structures
where interior firefighting is too dangerous. In those situations, drones provide a
practical way to attack fires while reducing risk to firefighters.
Pam stated the second topic was the development of a soy-based firefighting foam
as an alternative to traditional aqueous film-forming foam. She commended the
devolpers for trying to make products with less carcinogenics. Chief Buchanon
noted that he is not too familiar with the brand but stated it just shows how we can
be innovative as a nation and formulate something safer, environmentally friendly
firefighting agents while maintaining effective fire suppression capabilities.
JULY 15, 2026 35
E. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR
President King asked if anyone present, either in person or virtually, wished to speak
during the Privilege of the Floor. No comments were received.
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
9:36 a.m.
JULY 15, 2026 36
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
______________________________
Charles King III, President
______________________________
Al Kirsits, Member
______________________________
Pamela Claeys, Member
ATTEST:
___________________________
Hillary Horvath, Board Clerk