Austintown welcomes three auxiliary police

Austintown

Three young men joined Austintown’s finest Monday, swearing in front of their friends, family and the township administration to protect and serve.

Gregory McGlynn and Joshua Watkins, both of Austintown, and Ryan Reese of Canfield were sworn in during Monday’s township trustees meeting as the police department’s newest auxiliary officers.

Police Chief Bob Gavalier said the three new auxiliaries bring the reserve unit’s total to four. Gavalier said eventually he would like to build the unit back up to 10 officers.

Auxiliary officers in Austintown work on a volunteer basis and must complete 32 hours of service each month with the department, the chief said.

“It took about six months to get these guys through,” he said. “There are a lot of benefits to this ... We’re hoping when other officers retire, these guys can plug right in.”

All three trustees welcomed Watkins, Reese and McGlynn, congratulating them for their hard work throughout the application and testing process.

“You’re now a part of a highly respected and professional department in this community,” said Trustee Lisa Oles.

Read more in Tuesday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com