LIBERTY Township chooses fire chief

Liberty's new fire chief comes from a position in which he supervises 10 firefighters in Youngstown.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
LIBERTY -- Youngstown Fire Capt. Michael Durkin will become Liberty Township's new police chief.
Trustee chairman Patrick J. Durina confirmed Thursday that Durkin, 43, has accepted the job. He will be paid $54,000 annually.
He will replace Robert Catchpole, who has resigned, in late April. Catchpole will remain with the department as a captain.
Durkin will serve a one-year probation and then be required to move from Boardman to Liberty within six months after his probation ends.
Durkin and Mike Orellana, Willoughby fire marshal, were interviewed by trustees last week.
Leadership issue: Durina said the selection process came down to Durkin and Orellana, but Durkin was viewed as a "take-charge person."
Catchpole had been criticized by township trustees and township Administrator Darlene St. George for lack of leadership qualities.
Trustee Jack Simon said he favored hiring Durkin because of his experience with manpower and equipment, his "proven leadership" and knowledge of the area.
"Mike sticks out as a leader," Simon said.
Durkin said he has wanted to become a chief and believes he can do the job.
He is now assigned to Youngstown's No. 1 fire station in the downtown, where he supervises 10 firefighters.
Durkin said he doesn't plan any immediate changes in Liberty but first wants to get organized and learn more about working in a smaller department.
Not wanting to discuss the department's shortcomings, Durkin said he wants to improve it.
Priorities: He believes the establishment of a fire prevention bureau is a priority, along with applying for government grants that have become available since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
"I really want to take advantage of that," Durkin added.
"He brings a lot of the qualities they need," said St. George, who is serving her last day today as administrator, having taken a similar job in Howland.
"I'm pleased for Liberty," she added, noting new administrative hires have innovative ideas.
Trustees have hired former Youngstown Mayor Patrick J. Ungaro as her replacement and in August hired Anthony Slifka as police chief.
yovich@vindy.com