Stratton Back on the Job: Plainfield Fire Board Approves Agreement with Deputy Chief

Deputy Chief Jon Stratton hugs a well-wisher after Monday morning’s Plainfield Fire Protection District board meeting. Credit: Shannon Antinori

Plainfield Fire Protection District trustees have not disclosed why they voted to place a deputy chief on paid administrative leave earlier this month, but on Monday, the board voted unanimously to send him back to work.

“Mr. Stratton will be returning as our deputy chief,” board attorney Tom Gilbert said of Deputy Chief Jon Stratton, who was placed on leave on Oct. 1.

Gilbert’s announcement was met with a standing ovation by community members, local officials, police and firefighters who attended the Monday morning meeting. Community members also turned out to voice support for Stratton at Oct. 9 and Oct. 15 special board meetings.

• Residents Demand Answers — But Get None — on Status of Plainfield Deputy Fire Chief

Fire board members did not comment on Monday morning’s vote, but Gilbert said the fire district will issue a statement sometime within the next 24 hours.

Stratton, who said he was headed into a meeting with the board, told reporters he was glad to be back to work.

“I cannot wait to get my uniform on and come back and support the community,” he said. “I just want to get back to work and get this behind us.”

Watch:

Part one of Monday’s meeting (Credit: Vicky Polito):

Part two of Monday’s meeting (Credit: Vicky Polito):

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