SPOKANE, Wash. — The administration of Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown provided clarity and quelled rumors Thursday evening about the departure of Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer from the fire department.
In a release, the city said Schaeffer and Brown mutually agreed on the chief’s retirement from the Spokane Fire Department.
According to the city, the agreement came as Brown had plans to “transition” the role and after Schaeffer had expressed his intention to retire to the former Spokane Mayor Nadine Woodward’s administration.
“Chief Schaeffer is a dedicated public servant who has helped our community both in times of crisis and in times of celebration,” Brown said. “I thank him for his commitment to our community and wish him the best as he heads into retirement.”
Chief Schaeffer plans to down from his role on Jan. 15, but will help with the leadership transition and remain with the department until March 31.
“It has been an honor to lead and serve alongside the exceptional individuals at the Spokane Fire Department over the past 20 years.” Schaeffer said in a statement. “I look forward to seeing the SFD continue to thrive and set benchmarks in public safety and community service.”
Assistant Fire Chief Tom Williams will remain in his role and continue to manage day-to-day department operations. The city promised to release more details on the transition process, including naming an interim chief, soon.
