Citizens protest suspension of Ferris police chief, investigator

FERRIS – Outraged over the suspension of Ferris Chief of Police Eddie Salazar and Investigator Walter “Gator” Weiss, around 20 Ferris citizens gathered in front of City Hall at 11 a.m. Tuesday to ask City Manager Bill Jordan why.

Local business owner Tina Miller and her husband Lonnie went into Jordan’s office and asked  him to come outside and  answer question from concerned citizens.

He refused to meet with  them citing “the matter is under investigation.”

Sources say the action appears to be a retaliation against the Ferris PD for their investigation of allegations against Jordan which resulted in 11 complaints being filed with the City Attorney, the District Attorney and the Texas Rangers.

The Ellis County Press has submitted an Open Records Request to obtain copies of the complaints.

Miller said she was concerned, “one of the finest police department the city has ever had is being systematically dismantled.”

Chief Salazar turned the department around by getting national attention for his “Pay it Forward” Campaign,  “Coffee With A Cop” and “Walk the Block.”

Salazar stated on the city’s web site, “The Ferris Police Department provides 24-hour police service within the incorporated city limits of Ferris.  The men and women of our Department are devoted to serving the needs of our community. We strive to ensure that Ferris, Texas remains a safe and comfortable place in which to live, work, raise a family, or visit.”

He also started the Ferris Police Academy with 41 local-citizens graduating. The academy has been suspended indefinitely according to Weiss.

Several Chamber of Commerce members were concerned the city hall incidents would have a damaging effect on the city’s reputation.

“We don’t need any more negative impressions of our city,” said one member.

Citizens were also concerned about having adequate police protection after the suspension.

According to sources, Josh Newman of the Ferris I.S.D. Police Department will be interim chief.

Salazar and Weiss were reportedly put on paid administrative leave after seen having lunch together in Dallas Saturday with Ferris Chamber of Commerce President Charles D. Hatfield Jr.

Hatfield is also publisher of The Ellis County Press.

Salazar, while attending a leadership conference at Texas A&M University this week received a text message notifying him of his suspension. He said he had never been suspended before.

Weiss will be represented legally by McKinney Attorney Mary L. Harokopus.

There is a special called council meeting Thursday, March 29 at 6:00 p.m. Citizens are encouraged to attend. To speak before the council you must sign-up 5 minutes before the public comment section begins.