Austintown honors former detective

Staff report

AUSTINTOWN

Township trustees Monday honored a longtime township detective who died Saturday.

Officials led a moment of silence for Richard J. Kaschak, 75, a 26-year Austintown police officer and former head of the detective division.

Police Chief Bob Gavalier said he remembers Kaschak – who was a lieutenant when Gavalier was hired to the department – was involved in some “major investigations” in the township. But, moreso, he said he remembers Kaschak as a “family man.”

“He always talked about his kids,” Gavalier said.

Kaschak also was a member of the Army Reserves and worked for Penn Central railway, according to his obituary.

In other business, trustees approved a contract renewal and pay increase for attorney David “Chip” Comstock Jr., chief of the Western Reserve Joint Fire District in Poland, who provides legal advice on administration and operation of the township fire department, including standard operating procedures.

With a $5 increase, Comstock’s hourly rate becomes $140, according to the resolution passed Monday. The township also pays Comstock’s out-of-pocket expenses.

Fire Chief Andy Frost said the department only brings Comstock in a few times a year.