Plainfield fire district reinstates Stratton as deputy fire chief

PLAINFIELD – Jon Stratton will be reinstated as Plainfield deputy fire chief after an agreement was reached between Stratton and the Plainfield Fire Protection District.

The decision was announced Monday morning after a closed session during a special meeting of the fire district.

Agreement details, why Stratton was originally put on administrative leave and the scope of discussions between the two sides were not available at the meeting.

"The district will be issuing a press release sometime within the next 24 hours," said Tom Gilbert, fire district attorney. "But just to eliminate any suspense, Mr. Stratton will be returning as our deputy chief."

The announcement was met with resounding applause from the nearly 50 people at the meeting. Several people hugged Stratton afterward.

"I'm just glad to come back to work," Stratton said. "I can't wait to put a uniform on and get back to work."

Stratton was abruptly put on administrative leave from the fire district on Oct. 1. Since, then there have been three public meetings, comments of public support, and a demand for answers as to why Stratton was disciplined.

Plainfield resident Tom Paul said he has known Stratton for more than 20 years, and Stratton's struggle to get his job back has inspired him into civic service. He plans to run for fire district trustee next year.

"No one has more love and dedication for his town," Paul said. "The decision made today was the right decision."

Resident Cassandra Krasuski said Stratton couldn't have done anything to deserve administrative leave.

"He has done absolutely nothing wrong," said Krasuski, whose husband has been a firefighter with the district for 10 years. "If this hadn't happened, he would have been a tremendous loss to the district."