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WARREN TOWNSHIP -- The township police department recently grew by one, bringing its roster to one chief and eight officers, and now township trustees are trying to hire more firefighters and emergency medical technicians.
Trustee Chairman Ryan Yoho said the fire department has a full-time chief and a roster of between 26 and 30, but the majority work other full-time jobs.
Yoho said the fire department is part time, with individuals able to work up to 70 hours per pay period.
"I do not have the pool of people that I used to have who are available. We do get help from mutual aid from other departments," fire Chief Joe Natali said.
Yoho said trustees are aware of the staffing challenge.
"There is a shortage of firefighters and paramedics, which is a statewide issue. We do what we can to get people, but it is harder," he said.
Officials said other departments pay more and still have manpower issues. Trustee Ed Anthony said he is checking the wages at other fire departments to make comparisons.
Anthony said the fire department also could talk with other fire departments on ways to work together.
"I know there have been talks in Bristol and Mecca on a possible joint fire district," he said.
Lordstown last week swore in nine full-time firefighters, which was the result of an income tax increase approved in the May primary.
Trustees also are looking for a full-time road supervisor after the resignation earlier this year of Joseph Toporcer and a part-time zoning inspector with the recent resignation of Norman Ashley.
Those interested can send letter of interest to trustees, P.O. Box 307, Leavittsburg, 44430.
Road workers have asked trustees to consider hiring one more road department employee, especially in preparation for snow clearing.
Resident Daryl Parker suggested trustees consider looking at ways to recruit employees. Yoho said they have advertised for a road supervisor and other positions, but have received no responses.
Dennis Mohan officially was sworn in as the newest full-time patrolman starting Saturday. Mohan has been with the department part time and has worked previously for Braceville and Newton Falls.
In other matters at the August meeting, trustees said they are working with the Trumbull County Land Bank and Trumbull County Combined Health District about getting between 15 and 18 homes demolished.
Trustees are applying for grants for making improvements at the Johnson Community Center and also for cemetery equipment to be used by the road department.
Officials said one grant would be for $100,000 and they should know by November if they received it.