Portland Fire Chief Mike Myers Resigns For Job In Cannon Beach

PORTLAND, OR – After two and a half years as chief of Portland Fire & Rescue, Mike Myers says it's time to move on. He handed in his resignation on Thursday.

Once on the job, Myers started working on implementing what he called a "blueprint for success," modernizing the bureau, making sure that firefighters had the equipment that they need, and even making changes to the ways the bureau responds to 911 calls.

Myers is moving to Gearhart on the coast and will become the emergency manager for Cannon Beach.

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"This is a personal decision on my part," Myers says. "I love the coast and my wife has already moved there and it is my strong desire to join her.

"I have every faith that the leadership of Portland Fire & Rescue will continue to serve the city of Portland at the highest level."

Myers decision was announced one day after he attended the swearing in of the woman who would have been his new boss, City Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty.

"My only regret is that I was very excited to work with Commissioner Jo Ann Hardesty and her team," Myers said, adding that he spoke with her Thursday morning and stressed that his decision was in no way related to her election.

Myers said that he "explained that this is about my desire to be with my wife and keeping that priority above all."

Hardesty says that, like Myers, she is disappointed.

"I am personally so sad to lose his leadership and friendship," Hardesty says. His vision for a vibrant city was exactly what we need. "I am disappointed to not work on his plan together."

Mayor Ted Wheeler calls Myers's resignation "a loss for our community.

"When I learned of the news, I asked him what he could to get him to stay but ultimately he made this decision for his family and I completely respect that."

A replacement for Myers has not yet been announced.

Photo of Hardesty and Myers at her swearing in via Portland Fire & Rescue.