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Board hires full‑time firefighter; members press chief to investigate retention after several recent departures
Summary
The board approved hiring Joseph Kerr at $28/hour effective June 15, 2026, and discussed a recent pattern of firefighter turnover; supervisors asked staff and the chief to analyze causes (pay, benefits, interviewing practices) and propose retention measures.
Cecil Township approved Resolution 117‑2026 on June 1 to hire Joseph Kerr as a full‑time firefighter at $28 per hour effective June 15, 2026. The motion was made, seconded and carried by voice vote.
Before the vote, supervisors pressed Fire Chief Ted Wolfford (recorded as the chief) on retention: the township has lost three full‑time firefighters over the past year, including one who left within about 30 days. Board members raised possible causes — pay and benefits, pension differences with neighboring municipalities, and the composition of interview panels that have included chiefs and captains from other departments that might be recruiting candidates. The chief said departures were driven by better opportunities elsewhere and that the township had not yet adopted written retention policies.
Supervisors asked staff to analyze the reasons employees leave and to consider changes including compensation, benefits or interview procedures. One supervisor suggested excluding chiefs or captains from municipalities that are known hiring destinations from future interview panels; another suggested bringing internal department leaders onto panels. The board approved the hire and directed staff to return with recommendations to improve retention.
