Pullman Fire Chief Mike Heston is retiring after 42 years of service.
He announced in a news release Monday that the leave will take effect in February 2025, the anniversary of his inauguration.
Heston, 64, began his career as a firefighter in 1981 with the Grant County Fire District in Moses Lake. He moved to Pullman in 1983 to study at Washington State University and joined the WSU Fire Department as a student resident. So in 1985, he moved to full-time training captain, a position he held for 11 years.
He joined the Pullman Fire Department in 1996 as assistant chief of operations, a position he held until 2013 when he was appointed chief.
Heston wears many hats in the community. In addition to being Fire Chief, he also serves as the Pullman Emergency Manager, Chairman of the Whitman County Regional Emergency Planning Committee, and a member of the Northwest Interagency Incident Management Type 2 Team.
He said in an interview that the main reason he chose to retire was his family. His family, children and grandchildren all live in Pullman and he would like to spend more time with them.
He also felt it was time to leave.
“So many people are working longer and longer hours and enjoying retirement less and less,” he says. “I don’t want to be that person. I just want to enjoy my retirement while I’m young.”
Heston is most proud of establishing a health and wellness program for firefighters. First responders will be provided with medical exams, cancer screenings, and mandatory physical fitness programs.
