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Pullman Fire Department Assistant Chief Post To Stay Empty Amid Budget Deficit
The city is grappling with a major budget shortfall and has implemented a hiring freeze.
Published on Mar. 5, 2026
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The City of Pullman, Washington has decided to leave the Assistant Chief of Support Services position at the Pullman Fire Department vacant as the city deals with a multi-million dollar budget deficit. The duties of the empty officer post will be covered by the current Fire Chief and Assistant Fire Chief.
Why it matters
The decision to keep the assistant chief position unfilled is part of broader spending cuts the city is making to address its budget shortfall, which includes raising utility rates. This highlights the financial challenges facing local governments and the difficult decisions they must make regarding public services and staffing.
The details
The assistant chief position has been empty since December when Andrew Chiavaras was promoted to Assistant Fire Chief of Operations. That role opened up when Ryan Scharnhorst was promoted to Fire Chief after the previous chief, Brett Nash, quit after just five months on the job. City officials say the duties of the vacant assistant chief position will continue to be covered by Chief Scharnhorst and Assistant Chief Chiavaras.
- The assistant chief position has been empty since December 2025.
- Ryan Scharnhorst was permanently promoted to fire chief last year.
- Brett Nash quit as Pullman Fire Chief after just five months on the job in 2025.
The players
Ryan Scharnhorst
The current Fire Chief of the Pullman Fire Department.
Andrew Chiavaras
The current Assistant Fire Chief of Operations for the Pullman Fire Department.
Brett Nash
The previous Fire Chief of the Pullman Fire Department who quit after just five months on the job.
Meghan Ferrin
The spokeswoman for the City of Pullman.
Francis Benjamin
The Mayor of the City of Pullman.
Sean Wells
The City Administrator for the City of Pullman.
What they’re saying
“The duties of the empty officer post will continue to be covered by Chief Scharnhorst and Assistant Chief Chiavaras.”
— Meghan Ferrin, City of Pullman spokeswoman (Pullman Radio News)
What’s next
The City of Pullman will continue to evaluate its budget and spending as it works to address the multi-million dollar deficit.
The takeaway
This decision by the City of Pullman highlights the difficult choices local governments must make when facing budget shortfalls, including freezing hiring for certain positions. It underscores the financial challenges many cities are grappling with and the impact on public services and staffing.
