Bagott to step down as Palouse fire chief

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...