Fire Chief Andy Frost III set to retire | News, Sports, Jobs

Staff photo/Dan Pompili Austintown Fire Chief Andy Frost III, center, holds a proclamation recognizing his career, signed by township trustees. Frost is surrounded by his family and some township colleagues at Monday’s meeting, including, from left, Trustee Bruce Shepas, Trustee Robert Santos, Frost’s son Derek with his daughter-in-law Laura holding his granddaughter Izzy, Frost, his wife Eileen and daughter Lauren, Trustee Monica Deavers and Financial Officer Laurie Wolfe.

AUSTINTOWN — Township trustees conducted their usual business Monday night, but not before conducting the irregular business of bidding a formal farewell to one of Austintown's longest-serving leaders.

Fire Chief Andy Frost III announced his retirement effective July 24, ending a nearly 40-year career serving Austintown.

“I’m very grateful for everything Austintown has given me,” said Frost, who was visibly moved after listening to the thanks and praise from trustees and others at the meeting.

Trustee Robert Santos read and presented Frost with a proclamation signed by the board, honoring his service to the community as a firefighter and chief.

Santos spoke first.

“This individual lived, slept and breathed Austintown, the community and its residents, and there was not a time when I called that he didn’t answer,” Santos said. “He did more than anyone would think he should do as fire chief. You are such an honorable person and if there was any way I could force you to stay, I would.”

Trustee Monica Deavers said Frost stopped by her restaurant the day before she filed to run and told her he looked forward to working with her. She lamented that their working relationship was over.

“What are you doing to me?” she asked. “I want to start by congratulating you on your many years of dedication, service and leadership. They will have a lasting impact on our community. We are incredibly grateful to have had you by our side for so long. You deserve this retirement and I hope you enjoy it.”

Trustee Bruce Shepas expressed gratitude and regret over Frost's departure and the fact that two of the men sitting next to him – Police Chief Robert Gavalier and Zoning Inspector Darren Crivelli – are also set to retire soon.

“When I was elected… you had all these good intentions, you wanted to make all these changes and help the community and the taxpayer, but you don’t do that without department leaders like you,” he said.

Finance manager Laurie Wolfe said she has worked with Frost for more than half her life, starting in 1992, shortly before he joined the department full time.

“He worked his way up, he followed in his father's footsteps to some extent, but he also went above and beyond,” she said. “He was a wonderful man and I'm happy to call you my friends.”

Trustee Mark D'Apolito said Frost was the steady hand on everyone's shoulder during the difficult days at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“But you always knew how to handle this situation and helped make Austintown a top city compared to many others,” he said. “You were a great colleague and mentor throughout my career. I’m happy for you, but I’m sad to see you go.”

Former Trustee Jim Davis also spoke and praised Frost for his ability to save the township millions of dollars during his tenure by securing state and federal grants to purchase trucks, equipment and supplies.

Davis was elected while Frost's father was still chief, and recalls that the younger Frost wasn't sure he wanted to take the job because he was content being an assistant chief and working alongside his fellow firefighters.

“The legacy that your family has left to this community is something that will never be matched, they are shoes that simply cannot be replaced,” he said. “This community should be forever grateful for what you have done and what your father has done.”

Gavalier, speaking earlier, had made similar comments, noting how easy it was to work with both Frosts and how grateful he was for the relationship the police and fire departments had under the two men.

Crivelli and Parks Department Supervisor Todd Shaffer both shared memories of Frost being by their side when they both suffered serious health issues. Crivelli told the audience how Frost showed up at 2:30 a.m. to stay with him overnight in the emergency room. Shaffer recalled that Frost was one of the first people to come into his home when he suffered a stroke, and spoke to his sister on the phone to assure her that he and the fire department paramedics would be with Shaffer until doctors at the hospital took over his care.

Deputy Chief David Schertzer will take over as interim chief on July 25, and Frost said Schertzer has his approval to accept the position permanently.

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