Greenville council hired an Avalon, Pa., firefighter Thursday, despite objections of residents who felt council should have hired a candidate from Greenville or no firefighters at all because the borough is in financial disarray.

Rob Emslinger, 23, of Avalon, will begin working for the borough's seven-man fire department Wednesday at a starting salary of $18,000 a year.

Council said Emslinger was the most qualified candidate, based on his interview and test and agility scores. Council also said Emslinger has an associate's degree and is working on a four-year degree.

Some residents argued that council should have hired a 23-year-old Greenville man who interviewed for the job instead of an out-of-town candidate.

Council said its responsibility was to hire the best candidate for the job.