New fire chief, police officers take oaths in Boardman

BOARDMAN -- The township swore in two new officers with another new official standing by.

At Monday's regular trustees meeting, Boardman welcomed two new police officers to the department.

Looking on during their oaths and sitting next to their supervisor, police Chief Todd Werth, was new interim fire Chief Bill Glaser. He takes over the position from former fire Chief Mark Pitzer, who left Aug. 7 to become the deputy chief in Canfield, his hometown.

"It was a very unexpected privilege that they asked me to do it, I'm excited to have this opportunity to take the department forward and keep Boardman a great place to live and keep everyone safe," Glaser said.

The 25-year veteran said he plans to spend much of his time refocusing the department's public education program, especially helping local businesses with fire prevention. He'll also try to help guide Boardman to a successful levy.

The township is asking voters to approve a new 2.75-mill five-year levy to generate about $2.2 million for police and fire. The levy is expected, if passed, to cost homeowners $96 per $100,000 of value.

Township officials have repeatedly stated since proposing the levy last month that it is not for additional services or wishlist items, but only to maintain the level of service the township already provides.

On Monday, the police department took a step toward bringing its staffing levels closer to the accepted standard of 63 full-time personnel.

The addition of officers Austin Householder and Luke Griguolo brings the department to 58 officers. Householder comes from Austintown, a department that is weathering its own staffing woes, in no small part because of officers leaving for other local departments.

"Over the last several years, for law enforcement across the country, it's been a struggle to hire. We've had to focus a lot of resources toward recruiting, things like that, where historically Boardman is kind of a destination," Werth said.

"We still continue to attract very good people and both Luke and Austin are great examples of that here today, that Boardman Police Department continues to have good young people continue to serve our community, and I can't be prouder to swear them in today. They've already been here for a couple of months...they've already settled in and they've really impressed people."

Trustees also took the opportunity on Monday to remind the public that the Mahoning County Engineer's Office will have part of Glenwood Avenue closed for five weeks, beginning Aug. 17, for the beginning of construction on a roundabout at Wildwood Drive.