One of former Manager of Safety Mary Malatesta's last acts in office was the termination of two Denver police officers accused of lying about the details of a stolen car pursuit.

Malatesta fired Officers David Torrez, who has about 25 years on the force, and Jose Palomares, a member of the department for about seven years, said Nick Rogers, president of the police union.

"The department felt their written statements regarding the circumstances with the chase were not completely true," said Rogers.

He expects both men to appeal the decision to the Civil Service Commission. "I believe if the facts were brought out, if they were not untruthful in their statements, they will be given their jobs back," Rogers said.

Charley Garcia, former head of the Denver public defender's office, replaces Malatesta today. Malatesta resigned early this month citing personal reasons.