Appeals filed in attempt to save sergeant positions

WARREN -- The unions representing city police have filed an appeal with the civil service commission to stop the abolishment of two sergeant positions.
The commission decided Wednesday to set an appeal hearing within 30 days, but no date was scheduled, said Michele Scala, commission secretary.
The appeal was filed by the Fraternal Order of Police and Ohio Patrolmen's Benevolent Association.
William D. Franklin, safety service director, has said the city wants to reduce the number of supervisors in the department by attrition.
The FOP has maintained that the city is attempting to use the commission to get around the union's collective bargaining process.
The city has 57 patrol officers, three captains, six lieutenants and 15 sergeants.