Liberty’s female firefighter promoted

By John W. Goodwin Jr.

Riser said her service to the community is just part of the job.

LIBERTY — The township fire department now has the first female firefighter to be promoted to the level of an officer in Trumbull County.

Cathy Riser, 35, was promoted to the rank of lieutenant at a trustees’ meeting earlier this week, said Fire Chief Michael Durkin. Firefighters Arnold Barzak and Jason Kelly were also promoted to lieutenant at the same meeting.

Riser has been a full-time member of the fire department for five years. She said the fact she is the first female to be promoted to the level of an officer means little in respect to how she will continue to function in the department and with her fellow firefighters.

“It doesn’t really matter. It’s just part of the job. I am no better than anyone else,” she said before accepting the promotion.

Riser decided to become a firefighter years ago after learning that her grandfather, Herbert Kay Jr., was one of the pioneering volunteer firefighters in the township in the late 1940s. She is the township’s only female firefighter.

Riser now will be paid an hourly rate of $18.72. Kelly will be paid an hourly rate of $18.85. Barzak will be paid an hourly rate of $19.74. Pay for all three firefighters is based on union contracts.

Township trustees also approved pay raises for other employees:

UMary Louise Gardner, telecommunication supervisor, 3 percent to $18.44 per hour.

UMartha Weirick, administrative assistance, 3 percent to $17.28 per hour.

UElwood Gilbert, maintenance supervisor, 3 percent to $18.54 per hour.

UTimothy Monroe, road superintendent, 3 percent to $58,251 annually.

UJune Smallwood, parks and special projects coordinator, 3 percent to $30,722 annually.

UJames Rodway, zoning inspector, 3 percent to $53,152 annually.

jgoodwin@vindy.com