King City residents say they want Ron Forgue back as police chief

More than 100 frustrated residents showed up at the King City council meeting Tuesday night for one reason – to find out why newly hired Police Chief Ron Forgue was fired.

“We want to hear the truth. The public wants to hear the truth about
what’s going on and we want our chief back,” said King City resident Hyson Bullock.

Bullock has been living in King City for 30 years. He said Forgue marked the beginning of a new era. Last year, six King City police officers were arrested following a six-month investigation that revealed embezzlement, bribery and criminal threats.

“With the positive things that have been happening in the community since
he’s took over, nobody in the public could even imagine. We were just in
shock,” said Bullock.

Mayor Robert Cullen issued a two-page statement to the community saying in part, “The law does not allow the Council, City Manager, or City
Attorney to say anything related to personnel matters. But I will say
this, we as a Council have been provided with information and the process
surrounding the decision, and we as a Council agree with the decision.”

But that may not be enough for residents at the meeting.

One man said during public comment, “We’re used to corruption, we’re used to people lying to us, we’re used to things being kept from us. That’s not how you get your support.”

Even Forgue got up to ask for his job back. He got a standing ovation when he asked the city to reconsider.

“I’m not a quitter. I’m telling these people right now, I’m not a quitter,” said Forgue.

Residents like Bullock don’t see progress being made.

“I just want to see the King City that I moved into30 years ago be
that same city if not better,” said Bullock.