Pullman Fire Marshal Chris Wehrung announced his retirement on Thursday after working at the Pullman Fire Department for 22 years.

Wehrung will retire at the end of May, according to a press release from Pullman Mayor Glenn Johnson. Wehrung started out as a Pullman firefighter in the reserve program in 1996 and earned a degree from WSU in construction management during that time. 

He became fire marshal in August 2015 and was responsible for fire code enforcement, inspections, investigations and public education. Before starting his firefighting career in 2000, Wehrung worked for Moscow-Pullman Building Supply, according to the press release.  

After retirement, Wehrung and his wife, Nancy, plan to move to Phoenix, where they have purchased a home, according to the press release. 

The fire department has started recruiting a new fire marshal. According to the press release, the new fire marshal will train with Wehrung before he officially departs.