UPDATE: Eureka Police Chief Fired, City Manager Confirms

Eureka Police Chief Garr Nielsen has been fired.  City Manager David Tyson confirmed with News Channel 3 Friday afternoon that he fired the chief earlier in the morning, citing personnel issues.  Tyson says Nielson will be paid in full for the next 6 months and continue to recieve full benefits.  Tyson also confirms that he appointed Captain Murl Harpham as the interm Chief.
A source within the police department says an internal memo was sent throughout the department around 11am notifying staff about the changes.
Nielsen was hired as Eureka's Chief of Police in 2007.   
Nielson had recently been named a finalist for the Police Chief position in Bend, Oregon , a job he was not selected for, and this week the Eureka City Council took no action on an effort to extend Nielsen's contract with the city.  Nielson's contract with the city was due to expire in December of 2013.