South Bend FOP Lodge #36

06/04/2026

𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗣 𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗖𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 | The South Bend Police Department is proud to announce the promotions of two officers within our Command Staff.

South Bend Mayor James Mueller has appointed Tomar Thomas to the role of Patrol Chief, a position that oversees the department’s uniformed patrol officers and daily field operations. This appointment follows the recent retirement of Joe Leszczynski, who served the South Bend Police Department for more than 37 years.

Thomas, who had been serving as the Captain of SBPD’s 2nd Detail Patrol Unit for the past three years, joined the South Bend Police Department in 2001. He has served as a 2nd Detail Patrolman and worked as a School Resource Officer at two middle schools. In 2017, Thomas was promoted to Sergeant of 2nd Detail before being promoted to Captain in 2023.

Chief Thomas is a familiar face for many – he regularly attends neighborhood meetings, serving as a constant liaison between our community and the police department.

“I have no doubt that Chief Thomas will flourish in his new role,” said Chief of Police Scott Ruszkowski. “His years of proven leadership, paired with the mentorship of former Chief Leszczynski, have provided him with the necessary tools to help continue moving our department in a positive direction.”

The appointment of Chief Thomas has allowed for another promotion within the Command Staff. Maranda Baker has been appointed to the role of 2nd Detail Captain, making her the first female to achieve the rank of Captain in the patrol division.

Captain Baker will oversee all day-to-day operations on SBPD’s afternoon patrol shift. Captains bridge the gap between street-level officers and the Chief’s Office.

Captain Baker has served as Lieutenant of 2nd Detail since 2023. Captain Baker was selected as Officer of the Year in 2021. She was sworn in to serve SBPD in 2010.

“I congratulate Chief Thomas and Captain Baker on their promotions and thank them for their exemplary leadership, earning the trust of SBPD and our community,” said South Bend Mayor James Mueller. “I look forward to the new ideas they bring into these top leadership positions within the department.”

06/04/2026

05/23/2026

Supporting Our Hero: Meals for Deputy Samuelson's Family While our brother in blue is fighting hard on the road to recovery, we are asking the community to step in to care for the people who have always cared for him—his family. During a crisis, the last thing a family should have to worry about i...

05/23/2026

05/23/2026

Please continue to pray for our brother Jon Samuelson. While Jon is not part of lodge #36, he is still a LEO brother through & through! We are all praying for the healing & recovery of Deputy Samuelson; a true hero!

The South Bend Police Department shares its sincere thoughts and prayers with La Porte County Sheriff's Office Deputy Jon Samuelson, as he continues the fight of his life following a shooting earlier today in Michigan City.

We are thinking of his family, friends and fellow officers at this difficult time.

South Bend stands behind you.

05/16/2026

Because we can all use a little good news today…

We are excited to announce that Officer Travis Kukla is back to patrolling our streets after doctors determined he is officially in clinical remission from non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

We shared the tough news of Officer Kukla’s diagnosis last summer, which quickly led to so many of you coming together to support him through the various fundraisers hosted by South Bend FOP Lodge #36.

It was great to see him back with his Honor Guard brothers last night during the Fallen Officer Memorial Service!

We thank you all for your support of Officer Kukla and wish him continued good health and brighter days ahead! 💚

05/05/2026

𝗦𝗔𝗩𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘 | Please join us as we remember and honor our officers who made the ultimate sacrifice. 🕯️

The annual Fallen Officer Memorial Service, presented by South Bend FOP Lodge #36 and St Joseph County FOP 155, will be held on 𝗙𝗥𝗜𝗗𝗔𝗬, 𝗠𝗔𝗬 𝟭𝟱 at 7:30 p.m. outside the South Bend Police Department at 701 W. Sample Street.

In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved indoors to our auditorium.

Sign language interpreting services will be available.

As always, this is a free event and our entire community is invited to attend.