Humane officer becomes deputy

LISBON -- The new Columbiana County humane officer also is the county's newest deputy.
Sheriff Dave Smith deputized humane officer William Fast earlier this week, said Pete Johnson, president of the Salem Humane Society Inc. The private, nonprofit agency handles animal welfare efforts in the area.
The sheriff's action gives Fast more authority in carrying out his job, Johnson explained.
Fast, who is trained as a police officer and an animal control officer, will wear a sheriff's deputy uniform, be authorized to carry and gun and have arrest powers.
His duties will include investigating cases of animal cruelty and neglect, and working with the county dog warden in rounding up stray animals.
Fast, of Perry Township, was appointed county humane officer earlier this month.
The position is part time. His pay has yet to be determined.