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Austintown trustees vote to nix K-9 program

AUSTINTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) -Austintown Township trustees voted Monday to end the police department's K-9 program. Before trustees unanimously voted to retire two of its K-9s, Patrolman Jason Murzda asked for a delay. 'I would just respectfully ask that you guys maybe table the idea of dismantling our K-9. This way maybe Brad and I can sit down and talk further with you,' Murzda said. Patrolman Murzda's K-9 is named Gunny. Patrolman Brad McFadden's K9 is Eras. Murzda told the trustees how he started the K-9 program when he worked in Struthers. 'I did it through donations. And since that time, they kept it running the way I had it going. They're now up to three dogs, and it's self-sustained,' Murzda said. Chief Valorie Delmont supported the elimination of the K-9s — though she would later say it was a cut she did not want to make– but she's looking to save money. 'If we ended the program by early retirement, that would save approximately $10,000 this year and $20,000 next year,' Delmont said. Austintown Trustee Bruce Shepas told Patrolmen Murzda and McFadden that the K-9 retirements take effect July 6, and the trustees could revote to keep the unit. 'I know that we talked about things, and you (Murzda) had some very good points about raising the money,' Shepas said. 'So, I challenge you and McFadden to make it happen. Find an alternative way of funding. Talk to your union, consider what we discussed. You got two months,' Shepas said. Each Patrolman was given the opportunity to buy their dogs for $1. Also at the meeting, trustees released a written opinion from the Mahoning County Prosecutor's Office concerning the recent hiring of an assistant fiscal officer at $95,000 a year. The opinion was that the trustees must approve the hiring. Since it was previously a union position, it may also have to be filled, and the new assistant can not do what was union work. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.