Judge gives firefighter probation

The Poland man is being treated for depression.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- A Western Reserve Joint Fire District firefighter will spend a year on probation after being convicted of attempted possession of a dangerous ordnance.
Judge R. Scott Krichbaum of Mahoning County Common Pleas Court sentenced Scott Volovar, 29, of Greystone, Poland, at a hearing Thursday.
Volovar was indicted last summer on charges of unlawful possession of a dangerous ordnance and illegal manufacture or processing of explosives.
Police said they found material used to make pipe bombs at Volovar's township home July 9, 2006.
He was convicted in December after pleading guilty to a reduced charge of attempted possession of a dangerous ordnance, a misdemeanor
David Comstock Jr., chief of the fire district, said Volovar was on medical leave when the episode occurred.
Department discipline
After his arrest, the district placed him on administrative leave without pay. Now that the criminal case is resolved, the disciplinary action will proceed unless Volovar resigns, said Comstock, who goes by Chip, said.
Discipline could include dismissal from the department. Volovar has been on the district's roster for about 10 years.
"I'd like to apologize for being here in the first place," Volovar told the judge.
He attributed his actions of last summer to depression, saying that there was a part of him at that time that didn't want to live anymore.
He vowed to never again appear before the judge in that same capacity.
Volovar's attorney James Gentile said his client was dealt one tragedy after another when he was younger.
Volovar's father died when he was young, and his grandfather and stepfather later committed suicide.
Gentile said Volovar is undergoing treatment and is committed to getting better.
Judge Krichbaum credited Volovar's mother and Gentile for helping Volovar get the help that he needs.
He referred to people that he has known who lost children and been nearly destroyed by the lost.
"I would imagine it's similar if you lose a parent at a young age," Judge Krichbaum said.
He said that probation was warranted in Volovar's case, and that he hoped Volovar would learn from the experience and make better decisions.