King City police chief abruptly fired
King City Mayor Rob Cullen confirms Police Chief Ron Forgue was fired Tuesday. During an interview, Cullen said Forgue was terminated without cause.
“I was in total shock. I thought I was doing a good job. I asked if it was something particular and they would not answer me,” said Forgue.
Forge was sworn in as the city’s new police chief on June 22. He was a 29-year police veteran with the Chicago Police Department, where he ranked as Lieutenant.
For many residents, Forgue marked the beginning of new era. In the spring of last year, six King City police officers were arrested following a six-month investigation that revealed embezzlement, bribery and criminal threats.
“I was interested in solving crime, getting rid of corruption here and at the same time turn this community around. I wanted to put King City back on the map,” said Forgue.
Cullen said the city is not able to comment on why Forgue was fired, due to personnel reasons. However, Cullen said Forgue was an at-will employee and that allowed the city to fire him without cause.
Commander Alejandrina Tirado has been named the acting police chief and a new interim police chief will be named with in the next few days.
“We will resume the effort of a nationwide search for a permanent police chief and ultimately we will rebuild,” said Cullen.
But some people want answers. In August, Assemblyman Luis Alejo called for an internal audit of the police department in an effort to be more transparent.
“I think such a drastic action, they should come out and quickly respond to the public and to the press about why this action was taken,” said Alejo.
Still, no one is more confused than Forgue himself, who uprooted his life in Chicago to try to turn the King City Police Department around.
“I think it was wrong. I think I gave my heart and soul to this community,” said Forgue.
Cullen said City Manager Michael Powers and the city attorney will work with the same search firm it used to find Forgue, to begin the search for a new police chief.
