Lincoln Township Fire Chief Brandon Chiarello will remain in his position following a 30-day unpaid suspension.

The township board approved the suspension, which was backdated to March 16 when Chiarello was first placed on leave. He is scheduled to return April 13 and will serve a six-month probationary period.

Township Attorney Scott Diener said the disciplinary action stems from a comment Chiarello allegedly made at township hall about Township Manager Kacey Dominguez related to remarks she gave to the media about a fire millage discussion.

Chiarello declined to discuss the incident but said he looks forward to returning to work. Dominguez also declined comment.

The development comes as Chiarello has been pushing to expand the department to full-time coverage. Township leaders had previously approved hiring two additional firefighters, but later delayed the plan during budget discussions.