Shenango Township's new fire chief will be inspecting businesses with an eye to finding out what firefighters would face in case of a fire.

Fire Chief Ron Ziglear, who is also the township's assistant police chief, will face some added responsibilities in the now-paid position, supervisors said Monday.

"He'll inspect the businesses in the township, so we'll have an idea what's in the buildings in case of fire," said Chairman Larry Robinson.

Ziglear, 62, was appointed to the position in December amid controversy that volunteer firefighters weren't offered the job.

Robinson said the position did not need to be advertised because supervisors just expanded the duties of the assistant police chief.

Robinson on Sunday explained to firefighters the need for a paid chief.

"We haven't done local inspections for years. This way we'll know what kind of chemicals we're dealing with in different businesses in case there is a structure fire," he said, noting state codes coming into effect will add to Ziglear's responsibilities.

As for the jump in Ziglear's salary from about $26,000 in 2001 to $31,000, Robinson said that with Ziglear's overtime last year, the salaries were pretty close.

"We're hoping to adjust any overtime hours with his added duties," Robinson said Monday night. "We're expecting it to work hand-in-hand; adjust his fire chief work schedule to fit into his police chief schedule."