Firefighter placed on unpaid status

Spokane firefighter Todd Chism was placed on unpaid layoff status Thursday pending the resolution of felony charges that he assaulted Washington State Patrol troopers in Stevens County last month.

City Administrator Ted Danek informed Chism, a lieutenant, of the change during a meeting at City Hall Thursday afternoon, said city spokeswoman Marlene Feist.

Chism, who was exonerated in a child pornography investigation two years ago, earned $93,535 per year.

Chism had been on paid leave from the Spokane Fire Department since April 8, two days after an early-morning confrontation with two troopers alongside Highway 291 just outside the driveway to Chism’s home.

Chism is to be arraigned Tuesday in Stevens County Superior Court on two felony counts of third-degree assault and two misdemeanors: resisting arrest and being in physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.

Meghann M. Cuniff