HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-06-26 Fire Merit Commission MinutesAugust 6, 2026
I. REGULAR MEETING
The Fire Merit Commission met at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 6, 2026, with Commission
members Dan Jones, John Pinter, and Kenneth Marks present. Assistant City Attorney Kristen
Kocsis and Commission Clerk Melissa Brown were present, along with Assistant Attorney Kylie
Connell who attended virtually. The meeting was held at Central Fire Station, 1222 S. Michigan
Street, Classroom #1, South Bend, Indiana, and virtually via Microsoft Teams at the following
link: https://tinyurl.com/5n8c3xxy.
A. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS
President Dan Jones called roll and confirmed the presence of the Commission members.
He then read the agenda.
B. APPROVE MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
John Pinter made a motion to approve the minutes from the last Fire Merit Commission
meeting. Seconded by Kenneth Marks, the Commission approved the minutes of the
February 4, 2026, regular meeting.
C. PROMOTE TO CAPTAIN
Chief Carl Buchanon stood up and read Jeff Yoder’s qualifications for the promotion to
Captain, and then read a bio about his career, hobbies, and family. Kenneth Marks then
added remarks about Jeff Yoder’s career. Marks made a motion to approve Jeff Yoder’s
promotion to Captain. John Pinter seconded the motion. Jeff Yoder’s son Brennan got up
and pinned the Captain’s badge on Yoder.
D. INTRODUCE PROBATIONARY FIREFIGHTERS
Chief Carl Buchanon read the names of the current probationary firefighters who
graduated from the academy in July, explaining that they are already working, so they
were unable to attend the meeting.
E. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR
Dan Jones then introduced the privilege of the floor. Assistant Chief Brandon Roark
extended his thanks to the Merit Commission members for their contributions to the 26-1
recruit class, explaining that it was the most successful class in a long time.
F. ADJOURNMENT
Dan Jones then entertained adjournment, and John Pinter seconded the motion. The
meeting was adjourned at 10:09 a.m.