Resident appointed in probe

The fire chief says he's still on the job and doing his best.
By MARY GRZEBIENIAK
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NEW SPRINGFIELD -- Springfield Township trustees have appointed a local man to investigate Township Fire Chief Brian Hughes and "prepare necessary charges" against him that could result in Hughes' removal.
The action follows filing of a misdemeanor charge against Hughes last week in Mahoning County Area Court in Canfield.
At their meeting Wednesday, trustees unanimously voted to appoint township resident John Emrich to conduct the investigation. Emrich frequently attends township meetings and unsuccessfully ran for township trustee in November 2005. Trustees would not comment further on their action or their reason for selecting Emrich. He couldn't be reached to comment.
Hughes was arraigned Feb. 8 in connection with using the 911 telephone system for a purpose other than obtaining emergency service. Hughes is accused of engineering a fake 911 call to cover up a prearranged barn fire. Beaver Police Chief Carl N. Frost said the fire was actually a controlled burn.
Frost said no Ohio Environmental Protection Agency permit had been issued for the burn, and one would not have been issued because the building contained asbestos and tires. Hughes faces 30 days in jail and a 250 fine if convicted. His pretrial hearing is March 7.
Trustees' right
Despite Hughes' saying last week, "It would take a lot more than this to get rid of me," Mahoning County Prosecutor Paul J. Gains said Thursday the trustees have the right to fire Hughes "for cause." Gains would not comment further.
Trustees have taken no action to remove Hughes from the job during the investigation.
Hughes, contacted Thursday, said he also has been advised by counsel not to comment. He said, however, he is on the job and will continue to do the best he can "and go from there."
There are sections of state law that provide for the removal of a department head. They say that written charges must be prepared and evidence presented at a hearing. The employee could be removed by a majority vote of trustees.
The law provides that the department head also could be suspended pending such a hearing.