First reported by the Valley Morning Star, Valley International Airport (VIA) Police Chief John David Osborne was fired from his job as the top official of a small, nine member, department under the control of the City of Harlingen.

In the Valley Morning Star’s publishing the following is quoted:

“On Friday, City Manager Gabriel Gonzalez and airport Director Marv Esterly said Osborne was fired, declining to disclose further information on what Esterly described as a personnel matter.”

The reason for separation is not known, but what has been available to consider is a Petition of Mandamus filed on the City Manager of the City of Harlingen.

The request was for Mr. Gonzalez to perform his duties on a complaint received by the filer. The complaint does indicate concerns with Mr. Osborne.

Of further interest may be the way Mr. Osborne retired from the Harlingen Police Department to take a job, with the same city.

This matter is speculated to connect to another matter presented in Hays County, Texas; which involves another Police Chief. Currently, the City of Kyle also has a Petition of Mandamus pending to answer. The due date for response in that lawsuit is November 10, 2021.