The Wellsville Fire Department increased its manpower Tuesday evening as it welcomed a new addition to the roster.
Made at the recommendation of Fire Chief Barry Podwel, council approved the hiring of Frank Thorne, who will serve as a full-time firefighter for the department. The move passed 5-0 with councilwoman Rosie Gibson absent.
Thorne joins Wellsville’s fire crews following 20 years of service with the Highlandtown Volunteer Fire Department, to which he was still serving at the time. Thorne, however, said he will be retiring from Highlandtown’s department once he starts his new village position.
Council president Randy Allmon and councilman John Morrow approved Thorne’s hiring, but also took time to complement Podwel’s work while the department had been short-handed.