The City of Pullman is experiencing a leadership change in its fire department as Chief Brian Nash has announced his resignation after a brief tenure of just five months. City spokeswoman Meghan Ferrin confirmed that Nash’s resignation will take effect on August 1st, although further details regarding his decision have not been disclosed.

Nash began his role as fire chief in February, succeeding longtime Chief Mike Heston, who retired after serving in the position for 12 years. Prior to joining the Pullman Fire Department, Nash was a battalion chief in Henderson, Nevada.

This is not the first instance of a short tenure for an external hire in the role of Pullman Fire Chief. In 2012, Scott Lavielle, who came from the North Highline Fire District in Western Washington, held the chief position for only a year before retiring. Following Lavielle, Mike Heston was promoted from assistant chief to chief.

Chief Nash’s resignation adds to a series of administrative changes within the City of Pullman. Recently, Police Chief Jake Opgenorth stepped down due to a misconduct scandal, and he has since been succeeded by police commander Aaron Breshears. In the aftermath of the Opgenorth incident, City Administrator Mike Urban resigned, although he has stated he did not voluntarily leave and is considering legal action against the city after an independent investigation cleared him of any wrongdoing. Currently, the city is seeking a new administrator, with Finance Director Jeff Elbracht serving in an interim capacity.

Ferrin mentioned that Mayor Francis Benjamin plans to meet with city leaders this week to discuss the next steps in appointing a new Pullman Fire Chief.