Chief LaDuke stated that his new hire was approved at the last meeting and started work on January 2, 2023. He introduced Firefighter/EMT T.J. Wilson, Badge 30, to the St. John Board of Safety who has worked for Gary and Hammond Fire Departments. Clerk-Treasurer Hernandez provided the Oath of Office to Mr. Wilson.
2023 Corporal Promotion Eligibility List interviews were conducted. At the conclusion, four candidates made the list as presented to the Board this evening. The date of expiration is January 16, 2025. Chief Flores requested approval. Mr. Moran entertained a motion to approve the 2023 Corporal Promotion Eligibility List with motion made by Mr. Palmateer and second by Mr. Swets. All were in favor by voice vote.
Corporal Promotion was introduced by Chief Flores with the top candidate being Officer J. Burk. Officer Burk has 23 years of experience with 6 years in a supervisory capacity. Chief praised his experience that includes field training and mentoring other officers. He requested that the Board approve Officer Burk’s promotion to Corporal. Mr. Moran entertained a motion to approve the promotion. Mr. Daniell made the motion to approve with second made by Mr. Swets. All were in favor by voice vote.
Respectfully submitted:
Amy J. Gross, Recording Secretary
St. John Safety Board
Respectfully submitted:
Amy J. Gross, Recording Secretary
St. John Safety Board
Mr. Moran entertained a motion to approve the minutes for the February 6, 2023 special meeting. Mr. Swets made a motion to approve with second made by Mr. Palmateer. All were in favor by voice vote.
Chief LaDuke added that some report changes will occur with the billing software for the next meeting. Also, there is a Medicare audit and Chief provided a letter from EMS Team Consulting to explain the process for Fiscal Year 2022. Mr. Moran asked about the money approved for the station and if work started. Chief explained that part of this was done for the grant last Friday. Downstairs will be a clean-gear storage area, but nothing more for the design at this time. Board Members will be included as requested. Mr. Daniell asked about the Medicare audit. Chief said that they are unsure what it entails, although, they were chosen, and they were not been able to get into the program by Federal Government standards. Access was gained just last week and the Fire Department is on page 20 of 500. Hopefully there will be more information to report at the next meeting.
Respectfully submitted:
Amy J. Gross, Recording Secretary
St. John Safety Board
Police Officer Colin Studer was presented by Chief Flores. Mr. Studer began February 27, 2023 and will attend the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in August. Mr. Studer worked for Lake Central School Corporation as a substitute teacher and assistant baseball coach.
Police Officer Zachary Vassar was presented by Chief Flores. Mr. Vassar came from the Dyer Police Department and has been very active in his law enforcement role. His family has two other members in law enforcement serving on Munster and Highland Police Departments. Mr. Vassar began working on March 6, 2023 for St. John.
Clerk-Treasurer Hernandez conducted the Oaths of Office for both Officer Studer and Officer Vassar followed by disbursement of their badges; Unit 41 and 42 respectively.
Chief LaDuke presented some slides regarding updated software. This app allows heat mapping of calls showing the most frequented locations requesting assistance. There are also charts with a breakdown of incident types from NIBRS (National Incident-Based Reporting System). Other slides reflect activity based on shifts, call volume by year, and other pertinent information. Mr. Moran requested the information to be sent to the Safety Board via email.
Regarding other news, the new Osage ambulance is anticipated for late 2024 delivery. Chief LaDuke may request another order with the Town Council as the time frame is two to three years for delivery. This would be included with the 5-Year Capital Plan. The new engine was ordered last year also, and the Department is on track for receipt from May to July 2024. Once delivery is accepted, the engine will go to an up-fitter for mounting of storage and tools for anticipated use of August 2024. The 2021 AFG grant (Assistance to Firefighters Grant) was awarded, therefore, the purchase request will be presented this month to the Town Council for about $120,000 of additional air pack funding.
Chief LaDuke added that he submitted the Town-Wide Disaster Plan to the Town Council. He is waiting on some revisions and direction from them, and it will come to the Safety Board thereafter. He also reported about ESBC (Emergency Services Billing Corporation) for fire billing. There is an Indiana Code that allows the Fire Department to bill insurance companies for some fire services, such as a motor vehicle accident. Other communities are practicing this step as well. He is waiting for legal review. Furthermore, another SAFER grant (Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response) was submitted for a total of 4 positions. He hopes that the Town will continue funding a new firefighter every two years. An AFG grant for cancer prevention was submitted. There is also an upcoming meeting for the building upgrades.
Mr. Moran entertained a motion to approve the process for the Officer testing. Mr. Swets made the motion with second made by Mr. Daniell. All were in favor by voice vote.
Respectfully submitted:
Amy J. Gross, Recording Secretary
St. John Safety Board