LIBERTY TWP.

Theres new leadership at the Liberty Twp. Fire Department after three firefighters moved up the ladder to become lieutenants.

Fire Chief Paul Stumpf, along with township trustees and families, pinned on new badges during a promotional ceremony Sept. 4 for firefighter/paramedics Chad Canupp, Cathleen Marksteiner and Matthew Owen, all of Liberty Twp.

Stumpf said there are about 98 members on the fire department roster, and the latest promotions bring the number of lieutenants to nine.

Well have one (lieutenant) on each shift at each station, Stumpf said, a long-time goal of the fire department. So theres no question of leadership. They are responsible for that unit and make sure reports are completed in a timely fashion.

Along with the extra duties, the three new fire lieutenants will receive a 7.5 percent increase to their hourly wage from $22.77 to $24.48 per hour, according to the township.

The promotional process includes a written test, an assessment center evaluation by regional chief officers and an oral interview by a local committee, according to Stumpf.

The lieutenants have a combined 36 years of service to Liberty Twp., and all have been serving in the full-time capacity of firefighter/paramedic since 2005.

Canupp has helped develop the departments SWAT Medic Program, which places tactically-trained medics on calls with the Butler County SWAT Team, according to Liberty Twp. officials.

Canupp is a member of the Butler County Technical Rescue Team, and also responds to large-scale national disasters as part of the Ohio Task Force One Urban Search and Rescue Team.

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Liberty Twp. fire department advances three to lieutenant