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Elkhart Fire Merit Commission approves two promotions, accepts two resignations and an 8-hour suspension
Summary
At its March 9, 2026 meeting, the Elkhart Fire Merit Commission approved promotions for Kevin Layman and Tia Garnett, accepted resignations from two firefighters and approved an eight-hour suspension for another employee; all actions were approved by voice vote with commissioners present.
Elkhart City — The Elkhart Fire Merit Commission on March 9 approved two promotions, accepted two resignations and approved an eight-hour suspension during a brief meeting in the city council chambers.
Fire Chief Dale told the commission that, under Indiana Code 36-8-3.5-16, Lieutenant Kevin Layman had been offered and accepted promotion to captain of Squad 2 on B-shift; the promotion is effective March 9, 2026, and his first shift in the new role will be March 10, 2026. A commissioner moved to approve the promotion, a second was recorded and the commission approved the motion by voice vote with all commissioners present voting in favor.
Chief Dale also said Firefighter Tia Garnett had been offered and accepted promotion to driver-operator of Medic 21 on C-shift. That promotion is effective March 9, 2026, with her first shift in the role on March 11, 2026. The commission approved the promotion after a motion and second; commissioners present voted in favor by voice vote.
After the promotion votes the commission recessed briefly for family photographs and then returned to the record.
Chief Dale informed the commission of an eight-hour suspension for Holly Reed, referencing a March 3, 2026 memorandum from Chief Dale outlining the reasons for the discipline. A motion to accept the communication and approve the eight-hour suspension was made, seconded and approved by voice vote.
The commission accepted the resignations of firefighters Gage Wilds, effective March 2, 2026, and Daniel Green, effective March 3, 2026. Both resignations were presented, motions to accept them were made and seconded, and the commission approved acceptance by voice vote.
Clerk Nancy recorded that four commissioners were present: Jim Rodino, Regina Folultz, Amber Brley and Jim Byron; the commission noted one vacancy on the board. Chair called for any union or public comment; none were offered. The commission then moved to adjourn.
The meeting record cites Indiana Code 36-8-3.5-16 in relation to promotions; Chief Dale referenced written correspondence dated March 3, 2026 concerning the suspension. The commission did not record individual roll-call votes by name in the transcript; each motion was adopted by voice vote with the commissioners present indicating approval.
