Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory Chief Brian Mayo is stepping down as chief, effective May 1.
He informed Mayor Jeff Grose on Monday of his decision, according to a statement from the city of Warsaw.
His reason was personal, and he also indicated that he is willing to assist with the transition process.
Mayo, 51, replaced Garrett Holderman in 2023 after Holderman resigned after one year as chief and moved back to Arizona. Holderman’s last day was Feb. 7, 2023. The Warsaw Common Council approved Mayo as fire chief on April 3, 2023.
Mayo had over 32 years in the fire service, with most of those years in Indiana. After working in South Bend, Mayo served as the deputy fire chief of operations for the Hardeeville, S.C., fire department, which is near Savannah, Ga. He came back to Indiana for family. Before Hardeeville, he was fire chief in Awendaw, S.C.
He is a retired Army officer and his last deployment with the Indiana National Guard was in 2018.
According to the city’s statement, Mayo’s leadership with the WWFT over the past year “is greatly appreciated — especially his recent efforts to help guide the Common Council and mayor through the max levy petition.”
Mayo informed his leadership team Tuesday morning that he will be stepping down on May 1.
During his meeting with Grose on Monday, Mayo “was positive and shared his appreciation for the opportunity to serve as chief this past year,” according to the release.
Grose is “grateful for Chief Mayo's service to the territory and wishes he and his family the best in their future endeavors,” the release states.
In the coming days, Grose will begin the process of selecting Mayo’s replacement.