The Pullman Police Department has officially appointed Aaron Breshears as its new chief. His selection by the Pullman City Council took place during their regular meeting held at City Hall on Tuesday night. Breshears has been serving as the acting chief since December, following the placement of former Chief Jake Opgenorth on leave during an investigation conducted by the Washington State Patrol. Details regarding this investigation have not yet been disclosed. Opgenorth formally resigned from his position in March.
Mayor Francis Benjamin highlighted Breshears’ exemplary service, spanning over 26 years, as a key factor in his nomination for the permanent role. Esteemed for his dedication and integrity, Breshears commands significant respect from his fellow officers. The Police Officers’ Guild, which consists of 43 department employees, expressed their support through a letter to the city, praising Breshears for his ethical standards, balanced policing approach, and accountability.
Breshears expressed both humility and honor upon receiving the position, acknowledging the significant responsibility it entails. He envisions this as an opportunity for the department to progress beyond previous challenges, underscoring the department’s standing as one of the best. Prior to his role as acting chief, Breshears served as the Pullman police commander, having joined the department in 1999.
In addition to Breshears’ appointment, the city council reviewed proposed regulations concerning short-term rentals like Airbnbs. These changes are part of a comprehensive overhaul of the city’s zoning codes, the first of its kind in over two decades. Assistant Planner Ariel Medeiros noted that since 2024, nine public hearings have been conducted to gather community input.
Currently, short-term rental operators must obtain a conditional use permit from the city’s hearing examiner. The proposed alterations would require owners to secure a short-term rental permit from the city and register for a business license with the Washington Department of Revenue. The proposed safety measures include an emergency evacuation plan approved by the city, mandatory property inspections by a city building official, and an occupancy limit of ten people per dwelling.
The Bottom Line
- The appointment of Aaron Breshears as the new police chief signals a move towards stability and continuity for the Pullman Police Department, potentially improving community relations and department morale.
- Proposed regulations for short-term rentals could impact local property owners by necessitating compliance with new permit processes and safety requirements, possibly affecting the availability and pricing of short-term accommodations.
- The engagement of the community in public hearings demonstrates an inclusive approach to policymaking, which may lead to broader community acceptance and adherence to the new regulations.
- Residential areas could see changes in dynamics due to the revised short-term rental regulations, influencing neighborhood noise levels, traffic, and overall community atmosphere.
- Business operators in the short-term rental market must prepare for potential administrative changes, which may involve additional operational costs and adjustments to business models.
