Nixon sacks police chief

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NIXON — City Council fired Police Chief Mario Hernandez during a special-called meeting Friday.

Council said Hernandez’s termination came as a result of repeated complaints from officers describing Hernandez as being incapable of properly leading the department.

City Attorney Eddie Escobar said the council’s action was strictly based on the complaints that were made against Hernandez regarding his conduct during the course of his duties and for no other reason.  

“Prior to tonight’s meeting, the chief was provided written notice of all of the complaints against him that were to be considered by city council in order for him to be given an opportunity to respond at the special meeting tonight,” Escobar said.

Four officers came forward during the meeting, saying Hernandez was incompetent as a police chief and that they had no confidence in his leadership. They had previously submitted a letter to the council requesting his termination, with the letter stating, “As a group we are united in thinking that Mario Hernandez is not capable of properly supervising the Nixon Police Department. Mario has a limited knowledge of the Texas Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, Government Code, Health and Safety Code and other legislative acts that are crucial to be understood by anyone who is empowered as the chief law enforcement officer during the time of our employment.”

 Escobar said the officers’ complaints were unsolicited.

“We didn’t ask for the complaints,” he said. “These were issues that they were dealing with when working with [Hernandez].”

After his departure Hernandez issued a statement, saying, “I have a total of 25 years and my abilities as a peace officer or chief have never been [questioned] nor was it an issue. All my officers have less than a year of experience excluding one officer. This information is being brought up by a disgruntled ex-employee with a basic peace officer’s license that is on a self-serving mission.

“Sixty percent of the sworn officers who work for the City of Nixon did not oppose my continued service as their Chief of Police.  One officer who did oppose my continued service, currently has two pending internal investigations against him, so his motives were self-serving. 

“The only additional statement I would like to make is: it is a sad day when a body of government ignores the laws and procedures of this state, allows the continued retaliation against its police force, and does not have the competence to understand the position they have now placed the city in, through their actions and non-actions.  

“Friday, Feb. 5, I was called before Nixon City Council, to play a game on an unlevel playing field, and an unjust decision was made in the end. I want to thank all of the citizens of Nixon for their support over the years.  I took great pride in protecting your city in my position as chief of police and it has been an honor to serve you in that capacity.”

Hernandez was with NPD for a year-and-a-half; first as an interim chief before being promoted to chief in June 2014.

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