The Elkhart Police Merit Commission voted to untable charges and formally adopt a charging letter that schedules a two-day disciplinary hearing for Sergeant Michael Van Schaik on Oct. 23–24, beginning at 9 a.m., the commission recorded during its meeting. The motion to set the hearing passed 4-0.

The charging letter was filed by the chief on Sept. 26 and includes the notice of charges, tentative hearing dates and a statement of rights provided to Sergeant Van Schaik, Assistant Chief Andy Whitmire told the commission. "We are hoping that we'll be able to reach some sort of resolution before that hearing date," Whitmire said; he added that the department will notify the commission if a resolution is reached.

Commissioners moved to remove the matter from the table and then to adopt the charging letter and set the hearing dates. On the motion to adopt the charges and set the trial dates, the commission recorded a 4-0 vote in favor. The transcript does not identify the individual mover or seconder for those motions by full name.

Separately, Whitmire notified the commission that two patrolmen, Brennaman and Maracle, have been moved from second-class to first-class status based on their successful completion of their second year of employment with the Elkhart Police Department. Commissioners treated those items as notifications; no formal vote to promote or approve the status changes was recorded at the meeting.

Whitmire also described an awards ceremony held Oct. 9 in which the department presented a total of 19 awards (several officers received multiple awards) recognizing life-saving actions, valor and service, with family and friends in attendance. Reverend Jean Mays, participating online, praised the event, saying she had seen photographs and that "it was wonderful to see them all receive their awards" and thanked organizers for arranging a ceremony that included families.

The commission approved the meeting agenda and the minutes of the Sept. 22 meeting earlier in the session. The meeting adjourned after a final vote that the chair recorded as 5-0.