Laserfiche WebLink
JUNE 18, 2025 46 <br />15, 2012. <br />Chief Lancaster announced the promotion of Kayla Miller to the rank of captain, effective <br />June 14th. Kayla Miller is a 20-year law enforcement veteran with significant experience <br />in various roles, including serving as the commander of the negotiator team and leading <br />complex criminal investigations. She was pinned by her husband. <br />2.APPROVE PROMOTION TO LIEUTENANT IN SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT – <br />BRANDON SCHMIDT <br />Chief Scott Ruszkowski submitted a letter of recommendation to the board that Lieutenant <br />Brandon Schmidt be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant of the Strategic Focus Unit, on <br />Special Assignment in the Operations Division, with a probationary period of one (1) year. <br />Lieutenant Schmidt was sworn into the department on November 14, 2012. <br />Assistant Chief Skibbins discussed the promotion of Brandon Schmidt to the rank of <br />Lieutenant, effective immediately. Brandon Schmidt has been with the South Bend Police <br />Department since 2012 and has worked in various positions within the Strategic Focus <br />Unit. He was pinned by Captain Dombrowski. <br />Upon a motion by Al Kirsits, seconded by Pam Claeys, and followed by a roll call, the <br />Board approved the Promotions to Lieutenant in Special Assignment for Brandon Schmidt. <br />3.APPROVE APPLICATION AND DECLARATION OF RETIREMENT – JASON T. <br />BIGGS <br />Chief Scott Ruskzowski submitted a letter of application and declaration of retirement for <br />Captain Jason T. Biggs. He is retiring, in good standing, from the SBPD, effective June 13, <br />2025. He has been with the Department for twenty (20) years, one (1) month, and sixteen <br />(16) days. <br />Chief Ruszkowski asked the Board to join him in appreciation and gratitude for the above <br />Captain’s commitment and distinguished services to the SBPD and the residents of the City <br />of South Bend and wished him many years of good health and happiness in retirement. <br />Upon a motion by Al Kirsits, seconded by Pam Claeys, and followed by a roll call the <br />Board approved the Application and Declaration for Retirement for Captain Jason T. <br />Biggs. <br />4.ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COMMENDATIONS (LIFE SAVING AWARDS) <br />David Bloutsomsy <br />Devonte Spratt <br />Chief Ruszkowski stated that Officers Bloutsomsy, and Spratt were commended for their <br />quick response in utilizing AED and CPR on an unconscious individual until medics <br />arrived to provide emergency medical aid and quick transport to the hospital. <br />Chief Ruszkowski commended their efforts. The Board also commended <br />the officers’ actions and stated that they would be receiving commendation coins. <br />Board President Dan Jones advised that they should both receive challenge coins on behalf <br />of the board. <br />5.ACKNOWLEDGE REQUEST FOR HEARING AND SET HEARING DATE FOR <br />DISCIPLINARY CHARGES No. 2025-01-TERRY REDDEN <br />Attorney Weiss briefly discussed the request for hearing by Officer Redden. The earliest <br />date that everyone was available was August 13, 2025 at 9 am. <br />Upon a motion by Darryl Heller, seconded by Pam Claeys, and followed by a roll call the <br />Board approved the hearing date for Officer Redden. <br />6.APPROVE AND RESCIND SPECIAL POLICE COMMISSIONS <br />Chief Scott Ruszkowski submitted a letter recommending the Special Police Commissions <br />be rescinded or issued for the year 2025 for Neighborhood Services Inspectors and Animal