The city of Progreso is without a police chief after the officer selected to step into the role declined to move forward with the hiring process, Channel 5 News has learned.

On Aug 18, Progreso Mayor Hugo Gamboa announced that Progreso police officer David Hernandez was selected to serve as the department's chief.

On Wednesday, Hernandez announced in a social media post he is not moving forward with the position.

“This decision is due to personal medical reasons that, at this time, prevent me from fulfilling the responsibilities and demands of the role with the complete dedication it requires. I would only be cutting the city of Progreso short by taking the position while not feeling at my fullest at this time,” Hernandez said. “I believe it is both responsible and fair to our community that the position be entrusted to someone who can carry out the duties fully and with complete availability.”

Channel 5 News reached out to Progreso Mayor Pro-Tem Sandra Estrada who forwarded the following statement:

“We respect and understand his decision and wish him and his family the very best moving forward. The city will continue working diligently to ensure that this important role is filled with strong leadership dedicated to serving and protecting our community.”

Estrada also said Hernandez hadn’t started his role as chief, as he was still at his present job.