Unalaska’s fire chief has been removed from his position after less than three months on the job, and city hall isn’t saying why.

Fire Chief Andrew Palmeri was hired in April to oversee the fire department’s two paid drivers and volunteers. But on Monday, a message went out informing volunteers he was no longer chief and that his day-to-day responsibilities are being handled by Fire Capt. Gary Gray.

Acting Public Safety Director Matt Betzen said that Palmeri had been under a one-year probationary period and the decision was made Monday to release him.  Public Safety Director Jamie Sunderland is out of town, and thus unable to comment.

Betzen added that as a matter of policy the city doesn’t issue statements on personnel matters.

Assistant City Manager John Fulton also confirmed that Palmeri has been “released” from his position. He said that fire chiefs serve at the pleasure of the public safety director but that the decision had been coordinated with the city manager’s office.

Mayor Shirley Marquardt said elected officials aren’t routinely briefed on personnel matters and had no details to share. She called it an “unfortunate situation” for the fire department and its volunteers.