East Pierce Fire and Rescue will assist in the day-to-day operation of a neighboring fire district after a fire chief was placed on administrative leave last week.

Orting Valley Fire and Rescue Fire Chief Randy Shelton was placed on a 30-day administrative leave after a three-member Board of Commissioners’ special meeting May 26.

Thorson said East Pierce was contacted May 26 at assist while Shelton is on leave. He said Assistant Chief Dave Wakefield temporarily filled in until Tuesday’s meeting with Orting Valley. No more information was available at press time Monday.

Orting Mayor Cheryl Temple said Shelton was placed on a 30-day administrative leave pending an investigation. Temple said she was unaware why Shelton was placed on leave by the Board of Commissioners.

Shelton was appointed fire chief of Pierce County Fire Protection District 18 in October 2004. Orting pays the district to provide fire service within the city.

Shelton served as chief of both the city’s fire department and the District 18 between 2006 and 2008. He assisted with reuniting Fire District 18 and the Orting Fire Department.

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