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Long Beach police outline 2026 equipment and staffing plans including ATV, patrol vehicle, radios and reserve deputies
Summary
Chief Mark Swistek reported plans to replace an aging ATV, research a new patrol vehicle, replace end-of-life portable radios, and integrate two new Reserve Deputy Marshals; a $4,000 donation and trade-in value will offset the ATV replacement.
At its Dec. 18 quarterly meeting, the Town of Long Beach commission received several operational updates from Police Chief Mark J. Swistek on equipment replacement and staffing.
Swistek said the department received a $4,000 donation from the Long Beach Civic Association toward replacing a 2011 Yamaha 550cc ATV that is experiencing transmission issues. The department expects a $2,100 trade-in value and plans to buy a 750cc Yamaha priced at $9,297.69 after government discounts and trade credit. The purchase was included in the department’s five-year capital plan for 2026.
On staffing, Swistek reported the addition of two Reserve Deputy Marshals who completed a 40-hour pre-basic ILEA training course in November–December. New members Deputy Marshal Cara Reeder and Deputy Marshal Brian Sullivan are on probationary status and will complete field training ride-alongs; Reeder works as a LaPorte County E911 dispatcher and Sullivan works in hospital security and is a certified Taser instructor, the chief said. The Reserve unit now counts seven members, though two current reserves are seeking full-time jobs elsewhere.
Swistek also said the department will begin researching replacement of a 2016 Police Interceptor assigned to Deputy Marshal Matthew Vopat, with a request to council anticipated in mid-2026; upfitting and manufacture will add months to delivery time. Separately, the Town Council approved purchase of five Motorola N70 portable radios at a net cost of $33,362.85 after trade-ins and discounts; five APX4000 portables (purchased in 2016) are being traded because parts are no longer available.
These items were presented as administrative updates; the minutes do not record votes or further public debate on these operational purchases beyond the council’s prior approval for radios and planned future council review for vehicle procurement.
