Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
The City of Palouse/Fire District Four will have a new fire chief some time after harvest. Chief Mike Bagott plans to return to the assistant chief position after 15 years in the top job. Scott Beeson will take over as chief.
Beeson, a department member since 2003, has served as assistant chief for the past year after the retirement of Marc Arrasmith.
“I’m self-demoting back to assistant chief,” said Bagott. “When it’s time, you know it’s time. I kind of felt like I’ve done what I can in the leadership role.”
The changeover, to be formally voted on and ratified by the 19-member department, is expected to take place in September.
Both Bagott and Beeson are employed with Palouse Grain Growers, thus the reason to wait until after harvest.
The planned change was announced June 18 at the last fire board meeting.
Bagott has presided over an era of the department that included building a new station in 2005, replacing almost the entire fleet of fire trucks to increase the department’s ability to carry and pump water.
New air packs were acquired in Bagott’s first year as chief and another upgrade in air packs is scheduled soon.
“I’ve enjoyed being chief and didn’t feel the need to be chief in perpetuity,” said Bagott. “I think Scott will do a great job taking over.”
Palouse Fire Department’s two captains are Marv Pillars and Carl Saunders.
Garth Meyer is a former Whitman County Gazette reporter.
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