Police and fire chiefs report staffing changes; council asks about traffic enforcement technology

Police Department Chief Joe Grimes told the council the department completed a round of internal promotions as part of succession planning: Andy Watts was named assistant chief, Jennifer Barrett promoted to major over support services, Detective Sergeant Jacques Bass was advanced to detective captain over investigations, and Captain Joe Fultz was appointed enforcement division/unit commander. Grimes said the department will present merit promotions for sergeant and corporal to the police commission to backfill positions.

Council members asked whether the town should install automated traffic enforcement cameras for red‑light and speed violations. Chief Grimes said the town has not adopted such camera systems and expressed reluctance to rely solely on automated enforcement, preferring directed patrols and staffing for targeted enforcement. He encouraged residents to submit traffic complaints through the town’s online form to assist with enforcement prioritization.

Fire Territory Chief Larry Alcorn reported the department put a used ladder truck into full service, is scheduling a recruit graduation at Hendricks Live in Plainfield on March 5 with a 6:00 p.m. start time (as read in the packet), and is issuing conditional offers to replace retirements and vacancies.

What it means: The police leadership changes reflect an internal succession plan intended to ensure continuity as retirements occur. The council’s questions about cameras could lead to a future policy discussion, but the chief emphasized staff‑based enforcement in the near term. The fire territory’s staffing actions and new apparatus are presented as operational updates with personnel recruitment ongoing.

Next steps: Chiefs said they would follow up on traffic enforcement options and timing; no formal policy actions were taken at Thursday's meeting.