Chief Bildt Staying

San Bernardino Police Chief Michael A. Billdt won't retire in March

Posted: 02/05/2009 06:49:31 PM PST

SAN BERNARDINO - Police Chief Michael A. Billdt said Thursday that his retirement has been pushed back.
The embattled chief was set to retire in March when his two-year contract expires. City Attorney James F. Penman said Billdt doesn't need a new contract.

"Given the circumstances, the mayor's asked me to stick around and I'm going to do so," Billdt said, declining to give a time length. "As long as it takes me to work through this issue (the budget crisis), that's what I'm committed to doing."

Several police officers have expressed dismay that the chief will stay on. Mayor Pat Morris assured the City Council in September that Billdt would retire in March, following the police union's 76 percent no-confidence vote in the chief.

The mayor could not be reached for comment Thursday night.