Boardman firefighter Harry Wolfe, left, pins a badge on his son, Jarod, during the swearing-in ceremony for new Boardman firefighters on Wednesday. Staff photo / Lily Nickel

BOARDMAN — Five firefighters were sworn in to the Boardman Fire Department, finally filling out the roster after years of staffing issues during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fire Chief Mark Pitzer welcomed the handful of new recruits during the regular board of trustees meeting Wednesday. Pitzer said the new additions will bring the department back up to full staff.

“The past few years have been very difficult for us. We’ve been short staffed, and these firefighters will bring us back up to current staff,” Pitzer said, addressing the board. “We’re thankful to get them on board here and get into the training process and stabilize our shifts and continue to provide a service to the community.”

Robert Bruner, Jarod Wolfe, Jonathan Zemko, Brandon Finamore and Ryan Phillips all were pinned by loved ones during the swearing-in ceremony. Wolfe was pinned by his father, longtime Boardman firefighter and paramedic Harry Wolfe.

In other business, trustees:

• Approved liquor permits for Condado Tacos and Sat Adlaka and Associates;

• Approved purchase of 30 helmets and lenses for the fire department to meet National Fire Protection Association standards at a cost not to exceed $25,800 from The Public Safety Store LLC;

• Approved the renewal of an agreement between the township and Lane Ambulance Service for ambulance services;

• Approved the purchase of a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado to replace the 2013 Ford Expedition command vehicle at a cost not to exceed $42,365. Pitzer said the department is transitioning to a pick-up truck from an SUV to protect the driver of the vehicle from the toxic fumes of used turn-out gear that rides in the vehicle;

• Adopted a resolution upon the recommendation of road superintendent Marilyn Kenner to ban parking on both sides of Pinewood Drive between U.S. 224 and Stewart Avenue based on input from residents and the road department. No parking signs have been ordered and will be put up on arrival.