SANTA MARIA, Calif- Police Chief Danny Macagni is retiring as chief effective immediately announced the city manager.
"On behalf of the City of Santa Maria, we would like to extend our thanks to Chief Macagni for his years of service to the City, the Police Department, and the Santa Maria community and we wish him the very best in his retirement," stated City Manager Haydon.
Wednesday night Chief Macagni was placed on paid administrative leave. He has been under fire since January 2012 when a Santa Maria police officer was shot and killed by another officer. There have also been several officer involved shooting in Santa Maria this year.
City Manager Rick Haydon has not said if any of those events had anything to do with Chief Macagni being put on leave.
Until further notice, Police Commander Craig Ritz will be in charge of the Santa Maria Police Department, said Haydon.
