SOUTH HAVEN, INDIANA, FIRE CHIEF DOUG PATTON resigned his office Sunday after being charged for criminal assault at the Department’s annual Christmas party.
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The party was held this past Saturday night and Patton admits to drinking during the time when two on-duty firefighters stopped by. An argument between the three ensued and the FF’s left. About 20 minutes later they returned and the argument started back up with Patton grabbing one of the FF’s by the throat. The firefighter shortly after went to the hospital complaining of trouble breathing.
Chief Patton, 53, was charged with a felony count of strangulation and misdemeanor count of battery, Porter County Prosecutor Brian Gensel said. The felony charge carries a possible prison term of six months to three years.
South Haven is about 15 miles SE of Gary, Indiana.
The Chicago Sun-Times has the complete STORY.
South Haven Fire Dept. WEBSITE.
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The South Haven Firefighters
