Phillips to take over during sheriff’s absence
STAFF REPORT
WARREN — Technically, there will be a new sheriff in town starting today.
Trumbull County Sheriff Thomas Altiere will be traveling to Florida this week to bring home his son, Michael Altiere, 23, from his military post in West Palm Beach, Fla.
Michael, a Marine, served seven months of active duty in Iraq, the sheriff said, and he handles military funerals for Marines from South Florida.
The sheriff’s trip will take two weeks, and by law an acting sheriff must be appointed when a sheriff is outside the county for a specified amount of time, Altiere said.
Maj. James Phillips will take command today through Nov. 6.
Altiere said he will remain on the job throughout the two weeks and will remain in contact with his staff by cell phone. This is the longest break from Trumbull County that Altiere has taken during his 16 years in office, he said.
Among the duties requiring a replacement is the signing of deeds for properties being foreclosed on, the sheriff said.