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APRIL 15, 2026 15 <br />I.REGULAR MEETING <br />The Board of Public Safety met in the Regular Meeting at 9:15 a.m. on Wednesday, <br />April15, 2026 with Board President Charles King III, and Members Al Kirsits, Pamela Claeys, <br />were present. Also, Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski, Fire Chief Carl Buchanon, and Attorneys <br />Danielle Weiss, Adam Taylor, Kylie Connell and Board Clerk Hillary Horvath <br />were in attendance. The meeting was held in the Council Chambers 3rd Floor, South Bend <br />City Hall Bldg., 215 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd., South Bend, Indiana and virtually via <br />Microsoft Teams at the following link: https://tinyurl.com/2025-2026-BPS <br />Attorney Weiss asked that everyone mute their microphone when not speaking and <br />reminded attendees that comments from the public should be saved for the Privilege of <br />the Floor portion of the meeting. <br />A.ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS <br />President Charlies King welcomed the public, called roll, and confirmed the presence of <br />the Board Members. <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 March 25, 2026, regular meeting. <br />C.POLICE DEPARTMENT <br />1.ACKNOWLEDGE YEARS OF SERVICE RONDALL CLARK JR. <br />Chief Ruszkowski stated Patrolman First Class Rondall Clark Jr. has retired from <br />SBPD. Chief noted that Officer Clark served four (4) years, four (4) months, and <br />one (1) day with a retirement date of April 16, 2026. Chief Ruszkowski asked the <br />Board to join him, wishing him success in his endeavors, along with thanking him <br />for his many years of service with the SBPD. <br />2.ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COMMENDATION (LIFE SAVING AWARD) <br />NATHANIEL TABORN <br />Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski submitted a Commendation Recommendation <br />Report for the Nathaniel Taborn. Chief Ruskowski stated Officer Taborn’s quick <br />action and life saving measures saved an individual’s life. Chief Ruskowski <br />commended his efforts. The Board also commended Officer Taborn’s actions. <br />3.RECEIVE NOTIFICATION OF APPLICATION FOR 2025 ANNUAL JUSTICE <br />ASSISTANCE GRANT <br />Chief Ruszkowski submitted a letter on behalf of Sergeant Knepper stating that the <br />SBPD will be applying for the 2025 Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grand Award <br />in the amount of $127,179 on behalf of the SBPD, and the St. Joseph County Police <br />Department. Sergeant Knepper stated last year the department did not receive any <br />grant awards from the federal government because of the shutdowns and freezes <br />and noted this is an unusual time of year to be receiving the award and that the 2026 <br />should come to them around July. Sergeant Knepper stated St. Joseph County will <br />be awarded $13,599 and the City of South Bend will be awarded $113,580. <br />4.FILE 1st QUARTER REPORT FOR SPECIALIZED SCHOOLS <br />Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski submitted the 1ST Quarter Report for Specialized <br />Schools and noted the total for January, February, and March 2026 was $32,026.13. <br />He noted most trainings occur outside of standard police department programs, <br />with some conducted online or involving outside agencies. The department also <br />covers training costs for certain civilian staff positions. <br />5.FILE MONTHLY STATISTICAL ANALYSIS REPORT FOR MARCH 2026 <br />Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski submitted the March 2026 Monthly Statistical <br />Report and noted there was an 1% decrease in Part One crimes.