VON ORMY, Texas – A city is now without a police department.
A state agency officially pulled the plug on Von Ormy's department for not meeting its requirements. That puts public safety in the hands of the Bexar County Sheriff's Office.
"I feel horrible," said Trina Reyes, Von Ormy mayor. "You have no idea how hard I worked."
The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement deactivated the Von Ormy Police Department on Friday, stating the Police Department did not meet minimum standards, which included providing dispatch services.
The Bexar County Sheriff's Department had a contract with Von Ormy for those dispatch services. Sheriff's officials said they discontinued dispatch service in Von Ormy when the mayor got rid of the police force.
Reyes said the two Von Ormy commissioners hired an unqualified police chief, instead of the acting chief.
"The commissioners should have done what is in the best interest of the city," Reyes said. "I warned them numerous times. 'We are going to suffer severe consequences.' And this we did."
When people in Von Ormy call 911 for help, Bexar County Sheriff's dispatchers will be answering those calls. They'll provide emergency services there for now.
KSAT 12 News talked to residents in Von Ormy. Many said they're OK with the Sheriff's Office looking out for them.
