On Nov. 9, the Brookville Safety Board met at to discuss appointing alternates for safety board members who felt they needed to recuse themselves from voting.

The proposal was to appoint Aaron Leffingwell as the first alternate and Earl Moore as the second alternate for the safety board. BTC member Cathy Pelsor motioned to appoint Leffingwell as the first alternate and Moore as the second alternate. BTC member Shirley Seufert seconded the motion.

The motion passed 3 to 1, with Curtis Ward in favor and Chuck Campbell against the motion. An executive session was held after the safety board meeting was finished. Immediately following the executive session, another special meeting of the safety board was held.

The first order of business was to appoint a president and vice president of the Brookville Safety Board. Curtis Ward was nominated for president, and Brooke Leffingwell was nominated for vice president. The motions were passed unanimously.

Next, special attorney Tony Saunders of New Castle asked the board's permission to open a civil investigation into BPD Chief Terry Mitchum and Officer Ryan Geiser. Saunders explained that just because criminal charges weren't filed, the board may decide disciplinary action is necessary.

Saunders stressed the officers are "clothed in innocence."

Saunders will complete the investigation and present findings at the safety board special meeting in two weeks. The following week an open meeting will be held regarding action deemed necessary.