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APRIL16, 2025 33 <br />I. REGULAR MEETING <br />The Board of Public Safety met in the Regular Meeting at 9:21 a.m. on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 <br />with Board President Dan Jones, and Board Members Darryl Heller (absent), Lee Ross (virtual), <br />Al Kirsits, and Pamela Claeys were present. Also, Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski, Fire Chief Carl <br />Buchanon, and Attorneys Danielle Campbell Weiss, Adam Taylor, Kylie Connell, and Board <br />Clerk Theresa Heffner. The meeting was held in Classroom #1, Central Fire Station, 1222 S. <br />Michigan Street, South Bend, Indiana and virtually via Microsoft Teams at the following link: <br />https://tinyurl.com/2025BPSHybrid <br /> <br />Attorney Weiss asked that everyone mute their microphone when not speaking and reminded <br />attendees that comments from the public should be saved for the Privilege of the Floor portion of <br />the meeting. Attorney Weiss then read through the agenda to note any additions or corrections. <br /> <br />A. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS <br />Board President Dan Jones welcomed the public, called roll, and confirmed the presence of the <br />Board Members. <br /> <br />B. APPROVE MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS <br />Upon a motion by Pam Claeys, seconded by Al Kirsits and carried by roll call, the Board <br />approved the Minutes of the March 19, 2025, regular meeting. <br /> <br />C. POLICE DEPARTMENT <br /> <br />1. APPROVE REHIRING OF PROBATIONARY POLICE OFFICER – THOMAS <br />PETRIZZO <br />Police Chief Ruszkowski submitted a letter asking the Board to approve the rehiring of <br />Thomas Petrizzo as a probationary police officer effective April 16, 2025. He previously <br />left for personal reasons but wishes to return. He does not need to be sworn in again because <br />it has been less than a year since he left. <br /> <br />Upon a motion by Pam Claeys, seconded by Al Kirsits, and followed by a roll call, the <br />Board approved the rehiring of Officer Petrizzo. <br /> <br />2. APPROVE PROMOTION TO LIEUTENANT IN SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT – BRYAN <br />MILLER <br />Chief Ruszkowski submitted a letter to inform the Board of the promotion of Sergeant <br />Bryan Miller to the rank of Lieutenant – Patrol Unit K9 Coordinator, on special assignment <br />in the Patrol Division with a probationary period of one (1) year. The effective date of his <br />promotion will be April 16, 2025. Assistant Chief Skibbins provided a brief bio, <br />highlighting Miller's extensive experience and achievements, including his service in the <br />Marine Corps, his role as a SWAT team member, and his work as a K9 handler and trainer. <br />He will be pinned by his wife Lieutenant Kayla Miller. <br /> <br />Upon a motion by Al Kirsits, seconded by Pam Claeys, and followed by a roll call, the <br />Board approved the Promotion to Lieutenant in Special Assignment for Bryan Miller. <br /> <br />3. ACCEPT LETTER OF RESIGNATION – TONY THOMAS <br />Chief Ruszkowski submitted a letter of resignation from Officer Tony Thomas with an <br />effective date of April 30, 2025. <br /> <br />The Board accepted the Letter of Resignation. <br /> <br />4. ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF COMMENDATIONS (LIFE SAVING AWARDS) <br />Kassandra Duran <br />Alan Wiegand <br />Ryan Hintz <br />Joshua Pennington <br /> <br />Chief Ruszkowski stated that Officers Wigand, Hintz, and Duran were commended for <br />their quick response in performing CPR on an unconscious eighteen (18) year old, <br />successfully reviving him with the help of medics. Officer Pennington was commended for