PULLMAN, Wash. – The City of Pullman has offered Assistant Fire Chief Ryan Scharnhorst the position of Fire Chief of the City of Pullman Fire Department.
Scharnhorst started his fire service career with the Washington State University Fire Department in 1995, where he became Resident Captain while earning a bachelor’s degree in business management.
He next became a Pullman fighter and paramedic in 1998. He eventually moved to Wisconsin in 2004 to continue a fire career, but returned to Pullman in 2009 to serve as the Pullman Fire Department’s Deputy Chief of Training. In 2013, he was promoted to Assistant Fire Chief in charge of operations.
“Since becoming Interim Fire Chief in August, Ryan has done an excellent job of leading the Pullman Fire Department,” said Mayor Francis Benjamin. “He’s an important part of the City of Pullman team, and we’re pleased to offer him the position of Fire Chief with tangible proof of his ability to do the job effectively and efficiently.”
“Ryan’s in-depth knowledge of fire and emergency services and cool head under pressure are impressive,” added City Administrator Sean Wells. “I look forward to seeing how the Pullman Fire Department evolves under his leadership.”
“This community is my home,” said Scharnhorst. “I grew up here, went to school here, and moved back here to raise my family. There’s truly no other place like Pullman. I’m excited for this new adventure and look forward to continuing my service to the members of the Pullman Fire Department and the entire Pullman community.”
The Pullman City Council will confirm Scharnhorst’s appointment during the November 4 regular city council meeting.
If he is confirmed by the council, he would be sworn in that evening and would begin serving on November 16, 2025.
