It's a new year and there are new faces and changes in the Sharon Fire Department.

The city hired three new firefighters and promoted two firefighters. The three new hires are replacing retirees William Kauffman, Nick Morocco and Capt. Raymond Dunham, said Fire Chief Arthur A. Scarmack, Jr.

There are 18 firefighters and the chief.

Kauffman, Morocco and Dunham have a total of 84 years of experience with the department, individually serving 34, 23 and 27 years, respectively, Scarmack said.

"Their knowledge and excellent working skills and dedication to their profession are really going to be missed ... they were excellent firefighters," Scarmack said. He added that he thinks the new hires are going to do well in their jobs.

Robert G. Fiscus, Jr., 24, of Hermitage, Wade Henry, 30, and Daryl Torrence, 35, both of Sharon, have joined the city's fire department, said Scarmack. The trio will undergo four weeks of on-the-job training and will then be evaluated to determine if the men are ready to be put on permanent rotation in the department, Scarmack said.

Their starting salary is $20,090, according to the new contract.

Torrence said he was a firefighter in the U.S. Air Force and enjoyed it so he is happy to be considered for the position. He added that it really "says something" that council was willing to hire new firefighters and maintain the quality level in the department considering the financial difficulties the city is having.

Fiscus said he has considered being a firefighter for a few years and is happy to have the opportunity to work in the city.

Paul McSherry has been promoted to captain after 17 years of experience and Brian Scarmack has been promoted to lieutenant after six years with the department, Scarmack said.

Twenty-nine people took the civil service test for the three open positions and nine were selected to take the agility test, Scarmack said. After the tests the results were reported to former Mayor Robert T. Price and then mayor-elect David O. Ryan, who made the final selection.