Aaron Breshears is now Pullman’s police chief.

Pullman City Council unanimously voted to appoint Breshears at Tuesday’s council meeting.

“It’s a big responsibility and I acknowledge that,” Breshears said. “I think this is an opportunity as a police department to move beyond some of our troubles in our past.”

Breshears served as acting police chief since then-police chief Jake Opgenorth was dismissed after a protective order was filed against him alleging Opgenorth of sexual assault and domestic violence.

The case was ultimately thrown out. However, Opgenorth remains under investigation by Washington State Patrol and officially resigned last month.

Breshears said he was honored to be appointed by the city council.

“It’s a big responsibility and I acknowledge that,” Breshears said. “I think this is an opportunity as a police department to move beyond some of our troubles in our past.”

Breshears joined the Pullman Police Department in 1999.