'Findings of dishonesty': Mayor fires Chief McNannay; civil service review next

Colfax Police Chief Rick McNannay, who was placed on administrative leave Oct. 16, was officially fired last Thursday by Mayor Todd Vanek. The firing was reported by City Attorney John Kragt who read a prepared statement at the close of Tuesday's city council session.

After Kragt read the statement, Vanek called for a 20-minute executive session for what he said was pending legal action.

According to the report, McNannay was fired for "findings of dishonesty" involved with officer certification in the hiring process.

The report said an "independent third party" investigation was conducted into McNannay's attestations of compliance with state mandates for pre-employment certifications.

Kragt's report said the city has since reviewed certification off all officers on the force in ensure compliance.

McNannay had served as police chief since July of 2012 when he took the position after serving for 13 years with the Whitman County sheriff's office. He was a sergeant at the time he decided to take the top job for the Colfax police department.

Both McNannay and Vanek declined to elaborate on items in the official statement. McNannay said he had been advised by his attorney not to comment.

Vanek did report after the executive session that Clear Risk Solutions of Ephrata was the independent third party who conducted the investigation which was said to be the basis to last week's firing.

The dismissal has been appealed to the the Colfax Civil Service commission, but a date for the hearing has not been set.

McNannay said he was completely surprised when he received notice in October that he had been placed on administrative leave. He said he has remained out of his former office since getting the notice except to return and get his personal items.