The Washington fire chief who won state and national awards for his response to a 2013 tornado has announced his resignation.

Fire Chief Mike Vaughn made the announcement Thursday night after he spoke with volunteer firefighters and emergency medical technicians from the Washington Fire Department. His resignation is effective Nov. 1, the day after a 90-day extension to his contract expires.

Vaughn had been trying to negotiate a new contract with the board that oversees the department since his previous contract expired at the end of July. He says the board wanted to reduce his salary from $80,000 to $45,000.

Brian Barron, a board member who represents the fire department, says the resignation is devastating.