Department to hire four firefighters

The department is in line to hire four new firefighters to fill vacancies created by retirements. The recent SAFER grant, awarded in the spring, raised staffing levels to 94 firefighters and in order to retain the grant, the department needs to maintain that level for three years. The four firefighters hired on the grant recently graduated from the department's four week training academy and are currently working. There is no guarantee the new vacancies will be filled with local residents as prefence will be given to laid off firefighters throughout the state. Acting Chief Czerwinski hopes to have the positions filled in October.