PALM VALLEY — Chief Alvaro Garcia sat in the front row of a packed City Council chamber last night wearing a dark suit and shiny dress shoes.
It wasn’t his typical spot, which normally is in the back of the room at the monthly city meetings. It also wasn’t his typical attire. Usually, he is proudly wearing his city of Palm Valley police uniform.
And, it appears he won’t be putting that back on right away.
Despite a standing-room only crowd of about 30 mostly supporters at City Hall and after nearly 90 minutes in closed session discussions, Garcia will remain in civilian clothes at least until an investigation into a complaint against him has been completed.
Since May 5, Garcia has been suspended as the city’s police chief.
Garcia’s attorney John Blaylock said the suspension follows a complaint generally stating the chief “plays favorites with some officers over others.” The issue appears to revolve around pay for taking online classes, which is not unique in police departments.
Blaylock said the complaint was not notarized. It also wasn’t officially presented to Garcia until last night, despite Mayor George Rivera suspending him 10 days ago.
“It is disappointment, anger, and I don’t like being accused of things that are not true,” Garcia said outside of City Hall after the meeting last night. “I am a big boy, if I did something wrong, I will take it. But, don’t question my integrity and ethics, especially when it is baseless.”
Garcia, who was verbally told the allegations by the mayor when he was suspended, said he already provided proof verbally and on paper of what he believes the council thinks the issue is.
“I tried my best to explain,” he added. “There are certain people on the council and the mayor and they don’t want to hear it.”
Upon returning to the open session, Rivera simply said the complaint needed to be looked at.
“You would be mad at me if we didn’t,” Rivera told the crowd. “That is all I can say about it.”
Garcia and Blaylock both said the investigation is in the hands of the Texas Rangers. Rivera simply tabled the agenda item and said a special meeting will be held soon once the investigation is completed.
“What we hope is they take great efforts to do it right,” Blaylock said about the council while outside after the meeting concluded.
Blaylock said the allegations are from the current sergeant, who is now the interim chief. The allegation revolves around what the sergeant heard another officer say. Blaylock called it double hearsay.
So far, Blaylock said the city has not followed the law regarding the allegations made against Garcia with regard to his suspension.
According to section 614.023 of the government code regarding peace officers and firefighters, the complaint must be formally given to the employee within a reasonable time after the complaint is filed. Disciplinary action may not be taken against the officer unless a copy of the signed complaint is given to the officer.
Also, the officer may not be suspended indefinitely or terminated unless the complaint is investigated and there is evidence to prove the allegation of misconduct.
Those who attended weren’t happy about the situation as they were guided out of the chambers 15 minutes into the meeting so officials could go into closed session to discuss the matter.
As they left the chamber, the residents could be heard mentioning they would start a recall against Mayor Rivera. Some addressed the mayor as they were leaving, “This is our city George, not yours.”
Others suggested their small city and its politics were becoming as corrupt as the other cities in the Valley.
“He didn’t want us here,” one person stated about Rivera as the council chamber door was closed.
“We are slowly becoming South Texas politics,” a resident said.
One commented that Garcia is the best police chief the city has ever had.
But, when the door was opened and the residents were let back in, it was much quieter. Some still had a lot to say.
Several residents stated the city is lucky to have an officer with the experience, talent and ability Garcia brings to the table.
Resident Jaime Guerrero said the suspension has caused tension in the community and he wants to bring calm and reason back.
He said he didn’t want Palm Valley to be looked at the same way other bigger, corrupt cities are.
“We don’t want that here. We all want to get along,” he said. “We are all upright, honest and straightforward people.”
He suggested the right procedure needs to be followed because allegations are serious and the city should be careful with “a man’s life and reputation.”
“I love it, it humbles me,” Garcia said about the support he received last night. “I have been here nine years, eight as chief and all I have done is try to do my best for the citizens,” Garcia said. “They are my parent’s age so I take it to heart what I am doing for them and I wish someone is doing that for my parents.”
Being a small community, police perform many tasks that are beyond what other departments do, such as home checks when people are on vacation.
“It is very unique and the citizens realize that,” he said. “It is good to see the support.”
Now, he just waits to find out when the investigation is complete and another meeting.
“It’s all you can do,” Blaylock said about the waiting.
