An interlocal agreement passed by Orting Valley Fire and Rescue board of commissioners Thursday would extend the service of East Pierce Fire and Rescue Assistant Chief Dave Wakefield as interim chief.

Wakefield has been acting chief since late May when Orting Fire Chief Randy Shelton was placed on administrative leave.

East Pierce Fire Chief Jerry Thorson said the agreement hasn’t been signed, but attorneys from both district must meet to discuss several items before the agreement is ready.

“The interlocal agreement simply formalizes our agreement to help while their chief is on leave,” Thorson said. “Chief Wakefield is continuing to help out for now.”

During Thursday’s special meeting, commissioners announced a list of seven formal charges against Shelton.

The allegations claim Shelton violated privacy rights, falsified information to the district and to commissioners, didn’t follow disciplinary process, misappropriated funds, was guilty of harassment of employees and had anger issues.

In September 2007, Fire Protection District 18 and the Orting Fire Department merged to form Orting Valley Fire and Rescue.

Orting Mayor Cheryl Temple praised Shelton’s work with bringing the two fire departments together.

“Now we have a fire department far different from what it looked like five years ago,” Temple said. “Today we have a very professional fire department. He did an outstanding job putting that together for us.”

The District 18 board of commissioners will next meet Tuesday at the Orting Public Safety Building.

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