Maple Valley Fire Chief Tim Lemon is on voluntary administrative leave after the Board of Fire Commissioners voted Thursday night not to renew his contract in 2010, according to a statement released by the department on behalf of the commissioners.

According to the statement, the board “decided to move in a new direction as to the leadership of the fire district.”

Lemon’s contract was set to expire at the end of this year, according to the release.

“Chief Lemon was placed on a voluntary administrative leave of absence effective (Friday) while the details relating to the parties’ separation are determined,” the commissioners’ statement said. “And Deputy Chief Brad Doerflinger was appointed as interim chief.”

Lemon has been with Maple Valley Fire since 1995.

The commissioners could release further information after a special meeting scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday. Among the items on the agenda Monday is the “resignation of a commissioner” though it does not list which commissioner has resigned. Appointment of a commissioner is also on the agenda.

The agenda can be found on the Maple Valley Fire and Life Safety Web site.

Doerflinger said there will likely be more information available after the commission’s next regular meeting scheduled Aug. 20.

Lemon has been with the department for 29-1/2 years.