Jul. 26—The city of Pullman is focused on moving past a precarious start to the year.
Pullman Mayor Francis Benjamin said he’s confident in the city that’s been navigating turnover in top leadership positions.
Turbulence was felt as a string of departures from the city’s administrative staff, including the chief of police, city administrator and its newly appointed fire chief.
“It’s always hard to see people go,” Benjamin said. “But at the same time, turnover does happen in organizations.”
Benjamin shared that the search for a new city administrator is going quicker than expected, and anticipates one to be appointed by the fall. He said candidates will be interviewed in August.
The city chose Assistant Fire Chief Ryan Scharnhorst to serve in an acting capacity Friday. Scharnhorst will be Pullman Fire Department’s interim chief until a city administrator is hired, which Benjamin said will allow the future city administrator to be part of the decision-making process.
Bumps in the road are expected when there’s a shift in leadership, but Benjamin credits city staff for cushioning the blow.
“We have incredible city staff and leadership,” he said. “(They) step up to provide the best for our community.”
Benjamin added there are structures in place and a chain of command to follow when things go awry.
“(When) you’re missing one person, some of the processes slow down a bit,” he said. “But as it relates to the services that we’re providing to the community … that’s something where we haven’t missed a beat.”
A series of departures began when former Pullman Police Department Chief Jake Opgenorth resigned in March following a Washington State Patrol investigation into allegations of assault from a woman in Pullman. No charges were filed against Opgenorth due to a lack of evidence.
Acting Chief Aaron Breshears was promoted to the permanent position in April.