Austintown discusses rehiring recently-retired firefighter

By Justin Wier

jwier@vindy.com

AUSTINTOWN

The Austintown Board of Trustees heard public comment on the rehiring of retired firefighter Walter Donitzen Jr. at Monday’s meeting.

Township Administrator Mike Dockry said Donitzen reluctantly retired in December after he was told his medical coverage would be adversely affected if he didn’t retire. Donitzen is 60 years old.

Dockry shared comments from Fire Chief Andrew Frost, who was not present at the meeting, saying Donitzen’s mechanical knowledge saved the township money on equipment repairs it otherwise would have had to contract to third parties.

“Those types of skills are not available from the younger guys that we’re hiring,” Dockry said.

Assistant Fire Chief Bob Williams said they’re already feeling the effects of Donitzen’s absence.

“Without him being around, it’s put a hurt on us,” Williams said.

State law will allow the board to approve Donitzen’s hiring at its March 27 meeting.

In other business, the board approved $411,500 in advances from the general fund to cover expenses in departments including police and fire. Fiscal Officer Laura Wolfe said it was a temporary move until the township receives real-estate tax revenue.