Town of Cedar Lake
Board of Safety
July 8, 2026

Pledge of Allegiance

Mr. Stick called the meeting to order and led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call

Public Comment — Opening

Mr. Stick called for public comment three times. No public comment was received at the opening of the meeting.

Discussion

Lexipol Policy 803 — Department Vehicle Use

Provisions addressing take-home vehicle use for officers residing outside a defined radius of their duty station, and personal (off-duty) use of department vehicles. Key points discussed:

Residency/response distance: Members discussed hiring candidates who may live up to approximately 30–40 minutes from their duty station, using examples of realistic driving distances (e.g., along US 41 or I-65) to illustrate what that range looks like in practice.

Fuel/cost concerns: Mr. Kaper raised concern about the cost of fuel associated with extended take-home vehicle use, particularly in light of anticipated state-driven budget reductions (approximately $1 million to $1.1 million) affecting the Town's overall budget for the coming year. Chief Gruszka confirmed that, as of the first budget discussions, the fuel line item was not proposed to be reduced.

Exception clause: Discussion addressed a provision allowing the Chief discretion to grant exceptions to standard vehicle-use restrictions under specific circumstances (Chief Gruszka cited an example of being subpoenaed to testify in a different county as the kind of circumstance the exception clause is intended to cover). Some members questioned why such an exception is necessary if the underlying policy is otherwise firm; it was clarified the exception is not intended to be used routinely or as a permanent workaround.

Retention/recruitment rationale: Several members expressed support for using benefits such as this to help attract and retain officers, citing competitive fringe benefits (including post-retirement health insurance) offered by some neighboring departments that Cedar Lake currently cannot match. Members agreed that modest, affordable benefits the Town can sustain should be pursued where possible.

Scope of impact: In response to a question about how many officers this provision would realistically affect, it was noted the change would likely apply to only one or two officers at any given time, not the department as a whole.

Discussion concluded with general consensus to move the item forward for formal consideration, rather than delay it to the following month's meeting. Consistent with this discussion, the item was subsequently added to the Regular Meeting agenda that same evening by agenda amendment (see Part II — Regular Meeting Minutes below for the formal vote).

Adjournment

Mr. Stick declared the Work Session adjourned at 5:55 p.m.

Pledge of Allegiance

Mr. Stick called the meeting to order. Those present rose for the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by an opening prayer delivered by Pastor Ken Puent, Chaplain for the Cedar Lake Police Department. The prayer offered thanks for the safe observance of the nation's 250th anniversary celebrations in Cedar Lake and for the dedication of the firefighters, officers, paramedics, and staff who supported those events. The minister also asked for blessings, wisdom, and peace for Officer Meyer and Commander Kidd as they move into the next chapter of their career, and for guidance over the Board's deliberations.

Roll Call

Public Comment — Opening

Mr. Stick called for public comment three times. No public comment was received at the opening of the meeting.

Presentation

Retirement Plaque — Thomas J. Kidd

Chief Gruszka presented a retirement plaque and tribute to Commander Thomas J. Kidd, who is departing the Cedar Lake Police Department to take a position in Newton County. Chief Gruszka reviewed Commander Kidd's career with the Department:

• Reserve officer, 2000–2005
• Hired as a full-time officer, August 21, 2005
• Promoted to Corporal, 2017
• Promoted to Sergeant, approximately 2020
• Promoted to Patrol Commander, approximately 2022
• Served as Evidence Technician, 2010–2026
• Served as a Field Training Officer
• Represented the Department on the District 1 Board, the SAFE Coalition, and the SouthCom Board

Chief Gruszka and Deputy Chief Brittingham (whose remarks were read/relayed) both spoke warmly of Commander Kidd's dependability, work ethic, and the significant scope of responsibilities he held, noting that filling the resulting vacancies (including the evidence technician role) will require a team effort across the Department.

Commander Kidd addressed the Board, thanking the members for the opportunity to serve as Patrol Commander and expressing appreciation to his colleagues and family. He reflected on his 26 years of service to the Town and stated that his decision to move on, while difficult, felt like the right time. The Board wished him well in his new position.

Approval of Minutes

Minutes of the June 10, 2026 Regular Meeting were presented for approval.

Motion to approve the June 10, 2026 Regular Meeting minutes made by Ms. Littles; seconded by Mr. Nagy.

Motion carries, 5–0.

VIPS — June 2026 Report

June 2026 VIPS (Volunteers in Police Service) report:

• 6 details; 2 NIPSCO call-outs
• 12 hours on call-outs; 37 hours on details; 11 hours miscellaneous administration
• Total: 60 hours for the month

Mr. Becker asked whether the higher hours reflected the recent storm events; the VIP coordinator confirmed both the storms and Summerfest contributed. The Board thanked the VIP program for its continued service and noted new member recruitment is ongoing.

Police Department

Staffing

Letter of Resignation Acceptance — Thomas Kidd

Motion to accept the letter of resignation from Thomas Kidd made by Ms. Littles; seconded by Mr. Nagy.

Motion carries, 5–0.

Police Officer Retirement Weapon — Special Benefit Compensation — Thomas Kidd

Motion to approve the Police Officer Retirement Weapon special benefit compensation for Thomas Kidd made by Mr. Nagy; seconded by Mr. Kaper.

Motion carries, 5–0.

Vacancy Update

Chief Gruszka reported six prospective candidates remain in the hiring process following written testing, physical agility testing, and interviews. The process is currently in the background check phase; a further update will be provided in executive session.

Special Assignments Update

New Training Coordinator: Dustin Corbin has been named the Department's new Training Coordinator, succeeding Officer Shaun Meyer. Chief Gruszka reported Officer Corbin is progressing well; Officer Meyer left thorough notes, and Chief Gruszka and Deputy Chief Brittingham are assisting with the transition given the role's importance in managing state-mandated training records.

Evidence Technician Vacancy: Created by Commander Kidd's departure. The Department is working to fill the position and has identified prospective internal candidates.

Promotions Update

Chief Gruszka reported the promotional process letter has gone out. Openings currently include: one Sergeant position needed to fill Patrol Commander role, one additional Sergeant vacancy, and two Corporal vacancies. The Department is accepting applicants for these positions.

Communications

Hanover Central Girls Softball — State Championship Escort

Chief Gruszka reported the Department, along with the Fire Department, provided a police and fire escort for the Hanover Central High School girls softball team following their state championship victory. Participating officers included Chief Gruszka, Officer Dustin Corbin, Corporal Pennington, and Officer Ben King; Fire Chief Mager and Fire Department staff also participated. The Department received a thank-you card and photo from the team, which Chief Gruszka shared with the Board.

Commendable Response — Youth Wellness Call

Chief Gruszka commended Officers Pennington, Lukasik, and Corbin for their response to a wellness call involving a young resident experiencing a mental health crisis. The responding officers remained on scene, ensured the family was connected with appropriate support resources, and the family expressed sincere appreciation for the officers' care and professionalism. Chief Gruszka noted this is the kind of call that underscores the value the Department provides to the community.

Finances

No major purchases to report this period. The Department received formal notice of the SAFE Coalition grant award in the amount of $10,000, designated for K9-related overtime costs. Funds are expected on or about July 29, 2026.

Training Report

The Department completed its mandated PoliceOne training, delivered in phases, for this reporting period.

Equipment

The electric patrol vehicle reimbursement is in process with Clerk-Treasurer Sandberg; all required paperwork has been submitted and is in her hands. The Department is awaiting receipt of state reimbursement funds before proceeding with the purchase of additional new vehicles.

Monthly Activity Report — June 2026

• Calls for service: 826
• Warnings: 230; Citations: 220
• Law incident reports: 108
• Arrests: 26; Charges filed: 31
• Code enforcement warnings: 43; Code enforcement citations: 44

Mr. Stick noted the monthly summary graph appears to show a decline in certain metrics. Chief Gruszka attributed this primarily to current staffing shortages following the departures of Officer Meyer and Commander Kidd, both significant contributors to traffic enforcement activity, while noting arrests were up this month, which requires additional processing time per incident.

Motion to accept the Police Department report made by Ms. Littles; seconded by Mr. Nagy.

Motion carries, 5–0.

Other

Cops & Bobbers (September 26, 2026) — Cancelled

Chief Gruszka confirmed the event is cancelled for this year due to limited resources and staffing, particularly given Officer Meyer's departure (he had been a primary organizer) and uncertainty regarding future scheduling availability. The event's promotional materials ("Bobbers") will be retained, as they do not expire, for potential use in a future year.

Agenda Amendment — Lexipol Policy 803

Mr. Stick requested a motion to amend the agenda to add consideration of Lexipol Policy 803 (Department Vehicle Usage) under Police Department business, consistent with the discussion held during the Work Session.

Motion to amend the agenda to add Lexipol Policy 803 (Department Vehicle Usage) made by Ms. Littles; seconded by Mr. Nagy.

Motion carries, 5–0.

Lexipol Policy 803 — Department Vehicle Usage — Adopted (4–1)

Following discussion carried over from the Work Session (see Part I above), the Board voted on adoption of the revised policy.

Motion to accept the Lexipol Policy 803 (Department Vehicle Usage) update made by Mr. Villalobos; seconded by Ms. Littles.

Motion carries, 4–1.

Fire Department

Communications

Chief Mager read two letters received by the Department into the record:

1-800-BOARDUP / United Services: A letter of appreciation addressed to both the Police and Fire Departments, from John Jara, Director of Emergency Services, thanking responding personnel for their professionalism and compassion during a difficult call involving the death of a resident. The letter noted that responding personnel took time to connect the grieving family with information on securing the property, and that the company has made the decision to provide all necessary property-securing services to the family at no cost, in recognition of the department's trusted partnership with the fire and police community throughout Northwest Indiana.

Indiana Department of Homeland Security — "Stork Club" Certificates: Letters were received on behalf of Governor Mike Braun and the Indiana EMS Commission, from State EMS Director Kraig Kinney, congratulating the crew involved in a successful in-ambulance childbirth on May 24, 2026 (mother and baby both healthy) with induction into the "Stork Club." Certificates were issued individually to Battalion Chief Sella, Firefighter/Paramedic Seniw, Firefighter/Paramedic Misiak, Firefighter/Paramedic Reilly, and Firefighter/EMT Bugarin. The Board congratulated the crew on the joyful outcome.

Finances

As of the reporting period, the fiscal year is 50% complete with 39% of the Fire Department budget utilized. June 2026 purchase orders totaled $10,126.95.

Motion to accept the Fire Department report made by Ms. Littles; seconded by Mr. Nagy.

Motion carries, 5–0.

Training Report

Total training hours for June 2026: 486. The driver/operator training program conducted jointly with the Lowell Fire Department is completing final testing this week.

Equipment

Ongoing air conditioning issues affecting several apparatuses during the recent heat, including one ambulance currently out of service; repair expected to be addressed the following day. The ladder truck has developed some leaks that will require evaluation and likely repair.

Monthly Activity Report — June 2026

• Total incidents: 278
• EMS calls: 193
• Fire-related calls: 73
• Vehicle accidents: 12

Lexipol Policy Updates

No updates this month.

Other

Town Council Liaison Report

No formal report from the Town Council liaisons present.

Public Comment

Terry Broadhurst — 14513 Morse Street

Mr. Broadhurst thanked both the Police and Fire Departments on behalf of the Cedar Lake Summerfest committee for their support throughout the recent Summerfest weekend, noting that despite challenging weather, both departments were present and supportive throughout, and that the relationship between Summerfest and Town public safety continues to grow in a positive direction. He also acknowledged an additional support crew he had inadvertently omitted from his thanks in a prior appearance, and extended his gratitude to them as well.

No further public comment was received. Mr. Stick declared public comment closed.

Adjournment

Mr. Stick declared the meeting adjourned at 6:33 p.m.