Tryons assistant fire chief and streets supervisor Steven Pace was placed on leave from his position and separated from the fire department last week following charges of assault and communicating threats.

A magistrate with the Polk County Sheriffs Office filed charges on July 16 against Pace. The simple assault and communicating threats charges are related to an incident that allegedly occurred at the Tryon Fire Department recently.

Pace has been employed with the town since April, 2000. The length of his leave has not yet been determined.