South King Fire Deputy Chief Lisa Defenbaugh will be taken off administrative leave following an independent investigation that began on Dec. 5.

At a South King Fire board of commissioners meeting on Jan. 6, after an executive session, Commissioner member Caroline Vadino moved that Defenbaugh be taken off paid administrative leave. It was then announced that Defenbaugh would return to work at 7 a.m. Jan. 9.

At the same meeting, Chief Dave Van Valkenburg’s paid administrative leave was extended until 9 a.m. Jan. 9. It had previously been extended to Jan. 7.

According to Brad Chaney, community affairs officer for SKF, there will be a board of commissioners meeting at 4 p.m. Jan. 8, where action may or may not be taken regarding whether Van Valkenburg will be taken off leave. People can watch the meeting online or in person at South King Fire Station 68

According to Chaney, after a unanimous vote, Van Valkenburg was placed on leave during the Dec. 4 board meeting. Defenbaugh was then placed on administrative leave the next day. However, Chaney said the reasons why they were placed on leave were part of separate and independent investigations.

Chaney said South King Fire has a long-standing and trusted relationship with the community and remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of accountability and transparency.

This story includes previous reporting from a Mirror article.

This story will be updated when more information is available.