Brownsburg police, fire to expand summer camp; new volunteer chaplain and civilian longevity program introduced

Brownsburg officials reported several community and personnel updates: the Police and Fire Summer Camp will expand to accommodate additional applicants, the department introduced a volunteer chaplain, and leaders finalized a civilian longevity program aligned with town policy.

Chief Joe Grimes said the department received more applicants for the Police and Fire Summer Camp than originally expected and coordinated with Brownsburg Fire Territory leadership to provide additional personnel so no applicants would have to be turned away. The camp serves children ages 7 to 12 and will include two sessions, with "session 1" running through June 13 and "session 2" scheduled for June 16–20, Grimes said. The department described this as the largest camp to date.

Grimes introduced volunteer chaplain Dr. Jim Brewer of Hope Community Church, a Brownsburg resident of about 26 years, and thanked him for joining the department's chaplain program. Major Andy Watts, who oversees the chaplain program, made brief remarks welcoming Brewer.

On civilian pay and retention, Grimes reported he worked with town leadership to develop a new matrix for civilian longevity that mirrors the sworn longevity model and that the town manager presented the civilian program to the Town Council. Grimes said civilian longevity benefits would begin at the start of a staff member's fifth year of service; the chief said the civilian matrix will be consistent across Town of Brownsburg civilian staff and the police department. He noted plans to revitalize and change the structure of sworn longevity pay with the 2026 budget.

Commissioners thanked staff for community engagement and for aligning civilian retention tools with town practice. No formal vote was required for these informational items.