Austintown hiring more cops

AUSTINTOWN — The township police department is aiming to hire three more officers by March or April, said Police Chief Bob Gavalier.

The department, which is down seven officers from staffing of 43 five years ago, has been building up its force since voters passed a police levy in November.

The department hired one of its auxiliary officers, Jeffrey Churilla, in November.

Auxiliary officers are considered first when it’s time to fill full-time jobs, Gavalier has explained.

He said this week, though, that the four other auxiliary officers did not pass a physical agility test.

Now, 27 other people who have filled out applications will be tested, said Lt. Bryan Kloss. Twenty-one are set to test at Fitch High School on Sunday. Kloss said another test will be set for the rest of the applicants and anyone else who turns in an application in time. Kloss said the department will never stop taking applications and will look at as many as it can for this round of hiring.

Gavalier said applicants must pass the agility test before the department begins background checks and written, psychological and drug tests.

The chief said it is his intention to bring the department up to 40 officers this year, then review finances with township fiscal officer Michael Kurish for possible additional hirings.