PULLMAN, WA – Pullman’s short term fire chief told city officials that he resigned due not being able to effect change within the organization.
Brett Nash submitted his resignation letter via email to Mayor Francis Benjamin and Interim City Administrator Jeff Elbracht on Monday. City spokeswoman Meghan Ferrin confirmed to Pullman Radio News that afternoon that Nash was resigning but provided no additional information.
A public records request led officials to publicly post Nash’s brief email on the city’s website. Nash said in part, “I don’t’ fell like I have the ability to control or effect change within the organization.” Nash went on, “happiness and job satisfaction has taken a toll on me personally.”
Nash was hired to take over the Pullman Fire Department in February from longtime Chief Mike Heston who retired. He came to Pullman from Henderson Nevada where he was a battalion chief. Nash stated in his email that he is moving back home to be with his family. His last day as Pullman’s Fire Chief is August 1st.
This is the latest in a string of turnover for some of the City of Pullman’s top administrative positions. Police Chief Jake Opgenorth resigned over a misconduct scandal last winter. Fallout from the Opgenorth saga ended with City Administrator Mike Urban no longer holding the post. City officials claim that Urban resigned after clearing him of any wrongdoing. Urban says he did not resign and his attorney has publicly stated that they plan to sue the city.
Ferrin reports that Mayor Benjamin was meeting with city leaders this week to determine how to move forward with filling the fire chief’s post.
You can read the entire resignation email below.