AUSTINTOWN Police chief's unit faces possible deployment

The chief has served in the Guard for 19 years.
By IAN HILL
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
AUSTINTOWN -- While township residents are voting on the 2.5-mill police levy, Police Chief Gordon Ellis will be out of the country training for a possible peacekeeping mission with the Ohio Army National Guard.
Ellis, a lieutenant colonel who commands the Guard's 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry, leaves today for two weeks of training. The first week of training will be in Columbus.
The second week, which includes election day March 2, will be held at an undisclosed location out of the country.
"I would prefer to be here at the conclusion of the [levy] campaign. However, the [campaign] committees that are here are doing a fine job," Ellis said.
If approved, the 2.5-mill levy would allow the township to collect an additional $1.4 million each year for police. Township officials have said the money is needed because the township ended the last two years with a deficit.
In an effort to save money last year, township trustees laid off two officers and chose not to replace three who retired and two who are out on long-term disability.
Police Lt. Mark Durkin will serve as chief while Ellis is in training.
Looking ahead
Ellis said his unit has been nominated by the Guard for deployment in a peacekeeping mission out of the country. The unit could be deployed before the end of this year, he said.
If the unit is deployed, the chief could be gone for six months to a year. Ellis said he has not received his final orders yet, and as a result, he does not know where he might be headed.
He added that until he receives his final orders, there is a possibility that his unit may not be deployed.
Township Administrator Michael Dockry said township trustees would appoint an interim chief if Ellis is deployed. Dockry added that Ellis is using vacation time for his training.
The township would not pay Ellis his $63,827 salary while he is deployed.
Ellis has served in the National Guard for 19 years. In December, 2002, he was selected to command the 800 officers in the 1st Battalion, 148th Infantry.
hill@vindy.com