Brownsburg police and fire chiefs report recruitments, urge council engagement on pay and pensions

Brownsburg Police Chief Joe Grimes and Fire Chief Larry Alcorn told council March 26 that both departments continue to face staffing pressures and are planning recruitment steps in 2026.

Grimes said the police department currently has two vacant sworn positions and will pursue lateral recruitment and traditional hiring to build an eligible candidate list. He also said the department plans to ask the commission in April to authorize a reserve officer recruitment to supplement staffing for special events and seasonal needs. "We have had 2 positions that are vacant for sworn police officers, and we have not been able to fill them based on the number of candidates," Grimes said, describing recruitment challenges and the need for council engagement during budget development to discuss salary and pension implications.

Fire Chief Larry Alcorn reported that the fire territory has 60 firefighters assigned by shift and expects six new firefighters to start academy April 27 for a 20‑week course before being assigned to duty. Alcorn said hiring lists are progressing but noted past candidates accepting employment elsewhere.

Both chiefs asked council members to reach out and participate in planned budget conversations. Council members asked about exit interviews and why employees leave; Grimes said financial compensation is a primary factor but the department is working to present full compensation packages and recruitment strategies.

Next steps: chiefs will return with recruitment timetables as the town develops the 2027 budget and staff plans to brief council on reserve officer recruitment details.

Quote: "We have had 2 positions that are vacant for sworn police officers, and we have not been able to fill them based on the number of candidates that we have," Police Chief Joe Grimes said.