Former Volunteer Firefighter Sentenced in Vehicle Theft Case

The former Bristol volunteer firefighter arrested in July, 2011 for stealing a vehicle from the Dreadnaught Hook Ladder & Hose Company pleaded guilty to all charges at a court hearing on Jan. 5.

East Bay Newspapers reported that Clayton Hardon, now 24, admitted to charges of felony larceny, motor vehicle theft, DUI, and leaving the scene of an accident and causing property damage, in exchange for three one-year suspended sentences, a five-year deferred sentence, 500 hours of community service, and $110,000 in restitution.

Superior Court Judge Netti C. Vogel also ordered Hardon to write a letter of apology to the Bristol Fire Department for the incident, according to the eastbayri.com website.

According to police reports, Hardon took the vehicle from the fire department and drove it through town at a high rate of speed, causing the truck to flip over at the intersection of Woodlawn and Anthony Avenues.

Hardon then climbed out of the truck — which was ruled a compete loss — and tried to run away from the scene before local officers caught up with him.

East Bay Newspapers quoted Fire Chief Robert Martin as saying he is glad to have the case closed.