Dayton firefighter test attracts about 1,100; The city is expected to have one or two dozen openings.

DAYTON - Nearly 1,100 applicants took the city's firefighter test Saturday. The city has between one and two dozen openings on the department.

Deputy City Manager Stan Earley said after Wednesday's City Commission meeting that the city was continuing to examine the General Fund budget before deciding on exactly how many firefighter jobs to create.

The city has not hired a police officer or firefighter since 2008 when the U.S. Justice Department challenged the city's testing and hiring methods. Following a consent decree, the city started its first Police Academy class of 24 in February. That class should graduate in August.

A date has not been set for a Fire Academy class.

Also on the commission agenda was approval of $130,000 to purchase the merchandise and business of James M. Awsumb, head pro of Community Golf Course. Law Director John Danish said the city would take over the course operation and pro shop.

"It was decided to close out his contract," Danish said. Awsumb had been the course pro for more than 10 years.

City officials had recommended the contract be terminated over allegations of inappropriate behavior by Awsumb toward a woman employee, who later quit. The woman did not file any formal charge against Awsumb, but did complain to his supervisor.

Also, earlier in the day. Police Chief Richard Biehl announced that two of his command staff were retiring at the end of the month.

Lt. Col. Mark Hess, the assistant police chief, and Maj. Ernest "Mitch" Da-vis, who oversees investigations and administrative support, will retire effective June 29. Hess will be moving to the Five Rivers MetroParks to lead that police force, Biehl said.

"I had expected Mark to do well in their selection process," Biehl said. "Mitch announced his retirement on Monday, which was a surprise."

Hess has been with the department for 29 years; Davis for six-and-a-half years. Davis came to Day-ton in 2005 after retiring from the Greensboro, N.C., Police Department.

Maj. Pat Welsh, former commander of the West Patrol Operation Division, retired earlier this year. He spent 26 years with the department.