Brown retires as Boardman fire chief

Staff report

BOARDMAN

Fire Chief George Brown will retire July 12.

“In a perfect world we would have [a new chief before July 12] so that they could work side by side,” said Tom Costello, chairman of the board of the trustees.

Brown discussed his retirement with the trustees Monday.

Brown, 60, has been in the fire service for 43 years. Before joining the Boardman Fire Department in June 2011, he had worked as chief of the Howland Fire Department since 1987.

“I have been thinking about it for a while,” Brown said. “I am not sure if I will do anything else [after this] or not.”

While at the township, Brown has led several initiatives, trustees wrote in a press release, including the purchase of a ladder truck, weekly training sessions and keeping the public aware of the need for a new main fire station.

“It’s time for me to move on,” Brown said. “I have done what I can for Boardman.”

The township first will look internally for a new fire chief, and Brown said he would be willing to help in the search if needed.

“He’s been a very positive factor in Boardman Township over the past few years,” said Jason Loree, township administrator.

Brown plans to remain in the Boardman community with his wife, Edith.