EAST PALESTINE City finishes screenings for fire chief

EAST PALESTINE -- All six candidates remain in contention for fire chief, city manager Gary Clark said.
Screenings and interviews have been completed, and Clark said he hopes to name the new chief by Wednesday.
Clark wants the new chief on board as soon as possible to work with Chief Merle Stewart, who will retire Oct. 31.
Vying for the city fire department's only full-time position are veteran firefighters James Akenhead, Richard McElroy, Rich Pillsbury, Dennis Stock, Brett Todd and John Trochek.
City regulations require that applicants for chief must have completed the 240-hour firefighters course and have a minimum of three years of firefighting experience.
Besides interviews and psychological tests, candidates must also pass background checks, a polygraph test and a physical, Clark said.
Ohio Fire Chiefs Association members assisted in the interviews.
Stewart, who has been city fire chief since 1973, gave the city notice two years ago of his intent to retire this year.