SAPD Chief surprises city hall with retirement

McManus to take position with CPS Energy

SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio Police Chief William McManus stunned City Hall Wednesday evening when he unexpectedly announced he was retiring.

It doesn't appear many people at City Hall knew anything about the chief's plans until they heard it from City Manager Sheryl Sculley and she said the first she heard about it was on Monday night.

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"We're sorry that he's retiring but he's had a 40 year career in law enforcement, he's done a super job and he's one of my best appointments," Sculley said. "He's earned this opportunity."

Sculley handpicked McManus to lead the San Antonio Police Department back in 2006.

He began his career in the 1970s working in Washington D.C. and serving as chief in two other cities before moving to the Alamo City.

While Sculley wasn't expecting McManus to leave, she wasn't exactly surprised.

She said she tried to get him to stay but understood why he was ready to end his career in law enforcement.

"I'm excited and grateful for his service and leadership he's provided in our Police Department," Sculley said. "It's in a better place because of Bill."

According to a news release, McManus has accepted a position with CPS Energy as senior director of security.

Many city leaders learned about the chief's impending retirement while attending Mayor Julian Castro's "Thank You" reception Wednesday evening.

Councilman Diego Bernal said the city has benefited from McManus' leadership.

"I'm surprised, I'm also disappointed. I like the chief and I think he's done a good job," Bernal said. "Normally in a big city the relationship between residents and the police is very contentious, that's not the case here. The men and women in the Police Department and the residents really get along and work well together."

Fellow councilman Cris Medina said McManus will be missed.

"I wish him nothing but the best; it's been a pleasure and honor working with him," Medina said. "At some point everybody moves on to other things and I think this is simply that. The chief saw an opportunity to maybe spend a little bit more time at home with the family but nevertheless it's a great career move for him."

Outgoing Mayor Julian Castro had high praise for McManus and said the next chief will have big shoes to fill.

"He has done a commendable job as chief of police for San Antonio, he has moved the department forward in a lot of ways," Castro said. "He's leaving the department in a much better spot than when he found it."

McManus won't be leaving his post immediately; he has agreed to stay on through December to work on next year's budget and to help with the transition to a new chief.

A nationwide search for his replacement will begin in the very near future.