In a surprise move, Bexar County’s sheriff forced the retirement of his second-in-command and fired another high-ranking deputy Wednesday amid continued turmoil at the jail.

“In light of current and pervasive issues, this agency needs swift and decisive management,” Sheriff Javier Salazar said in a statement.

Salazar asked for the resignations of Chief Deputy Don Tijerina and Deputy Chief Ruben Vela, a news release stated.

Tijerina, who oversees the other chiefs and has been with the department since 1992, chose to retire, officials said.

While Tijerina’s retirement takes effect March 31 as he assists Salazar with the transition process, his last working day was Wednesday, the release said.

Vela “declined the courtesy” and was immediately terminated, officials said.

“These former members of command staff, while they served this agency well during their many years of service, are no longer part of my strategy and vision moving forward,” Salazar said in the statement. “It is my commitment to the citizens of Bexar County to provide them with the most effective public safety services possible.”

Written by: Fares Sabawi

Courtesy of San Antonio Express-News

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