Osborne named fire chief

By Virginia Ross

The new chief has been with the department 10 years.

NORTH LIMA — Beaver Township trustees have promoted Russ Osborne to fire chief.

The trustees recently agreed to replace Gary Borman, whose retirement became effective June 30, with Osborne, whose annual salary was set at $52,500.

Osborne became the township’s deputy fire chief late last year after Borman announced plans to retire. Osborne has filled in for the former chief since then, allowing Borman to exhaust vacation time he had accumulated.

Borman has been with the township fire department more than 20 years and was named the township’s first full-time fire chief in 2000, after working in that capacity on a part-time basis for three years.

Last month the township presented him with a plaque and credited him with advancing the fire department. Officials said Borman helped the township acquire most of the equipment now being used by safety personnel. He continues serving as a firefighter and an emergency medical service technician on a voluntary basis.

Shortly after Borman announced his plans to retire the trustees started the interviewing process and enlisted the help of a fire commission made up of area fire chiefs to help narrow the field.

Osborne, who was among a pool of 11 candidates, was offered the job of deputy fire chief in December with the intention of promotion, trustees said.

Last month the trustees said they were still working out some of the details of the township’s contract with Osborne.

Osborne was with the township fire department part time more than 10 years.

Part-time fire personnel are paid $10 for each call they respond to, officials explained.

Osborne’s wage as full-time deputy fire chief was $15 an hour, plus benefits.

Osborne, a General Motors retiree, has also worked for the Canfield Fire Department.