BOARDMAN — Boardman Township trustees met Monday at Station 71 on Market Street to swear in two new firefighters, bringing the department staff back to 39.

Trustee Brad Calhoun said the fire department went down to 37 due to retirements last year.

“We waited and asked all our departments to hold the line,” Calhoun said. “When we got a better idea of where we were (financially), we gave the go-ahead to begin a search.”

He said Ian Murray and Brandon Gilmore stood out. They began work three weeks ago with the promise to swear them in this month.

Murray, 36, has been a member of the armed forces for close to 19 years. He received his firefighter II and EMT-basic certification from Cuyahoga Community College. Along with wife Ashley, Murray lives in Tallmadge and works part- time for Springfield Township Fire Department.

“I joined the Boardman Fire Department because it gave me the opportunity to work with an amazing department and for a great community,” he said.

Gilmore, 27, was born and raised in the Youngstown area, graduating from East High School in 2011. He formerly worked as a railroad conductor and is still employed as a part-time firefighter for the cities of Sharon and Farrell in Pennsylvania.

“I came to the Boardman Fire Department with a passion to serve, and connect with the community,” Gilmore said. “When I set out to be a fireman, I knew I wanted to be a part of an aggressive department in the area that I was truly connected to. The Boardman Fire Department has tons of great options for training and growing … joining the Boardman Fire department has been a dream come true.”

Both Gilmore and Murray were sworn in by Boardman fiscal officer William D. Leicht. Following the oath of office, each received their badges from family members. Murray’s wife Ashley pinned his badge on his shirt. Gilmore had his twin sister Brittany doing the honors.

“They are now officially full time members of the department,” said assistant Fire Chief Brian Barber.

He said they will spend the next year in training before they are actually counted as crew members. Both men carry a firefighter level 2 certification in Ohio.