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Austintown trustees approve early retirement of two K‑9s, approve captain severance and hire part‑time firefighters
Summary
The board unanimously approved early retirement of K‑9s Gunney and Eras effective July 6, 2025, authorized handlers to purchase the animals for $1, approved a $61,863.09 severance payment to Capt. Tom Collins, and hired two conditional part‑time firefighters.
Trustees on May 5 approved several police and fire personnel actions that officials said were driven in part by staffing and budget pressures.
By motion of Trustee Robert Santos the board voted unanimously to early retire two Austintown Township police K‑9s, Gunney and Eras, effective July 6, 2025, and authorized the handlers the opportunity to purchase each K‑9 for $1 (Resolution #25-05-05-02). Police presentations earlier in the meeting described the K‑9s’ operational usefulness — faster searches and tracking — and estimated annual maintenance costs at about $19,000–$20,000. Officer Jason Murzda of the Austintown Police Department described a K‑9 donation program used in another city and asked trustees to at least table the retirement motion while alternatives were explored; the board proceeded with the retirement vote.
The board also approved a severance payment to Capt. Tom Collins in the amount of $61,863.09, calculated under the FOP contract (Resolution #25-05-05-03). The motion was made by Trustee Monica Deavers and carried unanimously.
On the fire department side, the board approved hiring two part‑time firefighters — Nicholas Handwork and Conner Sullivan — contingent on successful pre‑employment testing (Resolutions #25-05-05-04 and #25-05-05-05). The board later approved a leave of absence for Firefighter Michael L. Smith for June 1–30, 2025 (Resolution #25-05-05-18).
Trustees did not record any amendments to the motions in the minutes. The meeting minutes show the actions passed by roll call vote with all trustees voting yes except where noted (one abstention on a later reimbursement item unrelated to these personnel actions).
