Pete Thomas, who has represented District 5 on the Washington Parish Council for the last six years, announced his resignation from the council Monday.

In his letter of resignation, Thomas explained that he had to move out of District 5 in April, due to a tragedy.

“As some of you are aware, my family and I suffered an unexpected and tragic event in April of this year,” Thomas wrote. “Our home in Pine was completely destroyed by an electrical fire. We were devastated by the loss, yet thankful no one was injured.”

Thomas said that his family “re-located to an area outside District 5” after the fire destroyed their Pine home.

“As a result, and in accordance with the Washington Parish Government Home Rule Charter, I must officially resign my position as your Parish Councilman,” Thomas wrote in his letter. “I cannot adequately put into words how much serving the people of this parish has meant to me. I look forward to your continued support and if given the opportunity, I would once again be honored to represent and serve the people of Washington Parish.”

In a statement, Parish President Richard “Ned” Thomas said that the council will move quickly to fill Pete Thomas’s open position.

According to the parish’s home charter, the council has 15 days from the date of Thomas’s resignation to appoint an interim council member to replace him. The council will also request Gov. John Bel Edwards to schedule a special election to fill the vacancy.

The interim council member will not be eligible to be a candidate in the special election.

“The unforeseen circumstances that brought Councilman Pete Thomas to resign from the Parish Council are unfortunate,” the parish president said. “He is a great councilman and has done an outstanding job.

“During Monday night’s meeting, nothing but accolades for his work and leadership were given by the councilman and myself. Councilman Pete Thomas served as councilman for the past six years, two of those years were as council chairman; his knowledge and expertise will be missed.”