LORDSTOWN, Ohio - Lordstown's fire department will soon see some staffing increases, as the village will be swearing in nine new full time firefighter EMTs Wednesday evening.

Lordstown Mayor, Arno Hill tells 21 News that originally, the only full time firefighter was Fire Chief, Travis Eastham. However, thanks to a .5% income tax increase passed in May, the village was able to promote part time firefighters to full time.

"We had the ambulance staffed 24/7, but it was all part time," Mayor Hill said.

Now, the village is swearing in nine more full time firefighters to give the department a total of 10. Back in February, Eastham told 21 News with everyone else being part time, it was overwhelming for him to fill shifts.

"It's stressful. If I'm short I usually cover it from home," Chief Eastham said.

The swearing in ceremony will take place Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. at the Lordstown Administration Center.

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