Firefighter put on leave after being accused of hitting woman

Jason S. Elders, a part-time firefighter accused of beating up a woman at a Christmas party near St. Charles, is on leave from both of the fire departments he serves.

Elders, 39, has been on unpaid leave from the Carpentersville Fire Department since Dec. 26, pending the outcome of an internal investigation, Deputy Fire Chief John Skillman said Monday.

The five-year veteran was making $15.81 an hour in Carpentersville. He also served as vice president for the union that represents the village’s part-time firefighters.

In addition, Elders works as a part-time firefighter in West Dundee, and had been on unpaid leave there, pending the outcome of his court case, West Dundee Village Manager Joseph Cavallaro said.

Elders was making $13.26 an hour and has been with that fire department for three years, Fire Chief Randy Friese said. His leave started Christmas Eve, Friese said.

The activity stems from a disagreement that broke out Dec. 22 at a party on Townhall Road in unincorporated Kane County.

Witnesses told police Elders hit a 37-year-old woman repeatedly, according the Kane County Sheriff’s Department. The woman was taken to an area hospital and treated for nonlife-threatening injuries.

Elders, of St. Charles, was charged with misdemeanor battery. His next court appearance is Jan. 22 at the Kane County Judicial Center.