Doug Litwhiler, a candidate for Schuylkill County Sheriff, has been terminated from his job as a police officer in Ringtown borough.

Litwhiler was let go Tuesday at a council meeting, Mayor Philip Beaver said Thursday. Council President Leonard Kamarousky confirmed Litwhiler’s departure.

Beaver said Litwhiler was let go for “performance” reasons. The vote was 5-0.

He declined to provide additional information. Litwhiler did not attend the meeting. Beaver said Litwhiler was scheduled for approximately 32 hours a week. Council is looking to hire someone for the role. Residents who need police should call the Schuylkill County Communications Center that will then call state police, Beaver said.

Kamarousky said little about the firing except to say Litwhiler was hired in January as a patrolman.

He referred calls to solicitor Robert Matta. He did not return calls for comment.

Litwhiler said he found out he was fired after a reporter called him, although he suspected he might be. Kamarousky told him he would receive a letter from Matta. He is considering legal action against the borough.

“I’m relieved that they terminated me. I am stress free now,” he said.

Litwhiler said Beaver told him Friday he was suspended for “scheduling and job performance,” reasons.

He claimed Beaver was “trying to find every which way to get rid of me.”

The mayor denies that.

“I didn’t dislike him. I don’t know him well enough,” Beaver said.

Schuylkill County Elections Director Albert Gricoski said Litwhiler is still a candidate for sheriff, because he did not withdraw his name. Certification of the election results is Monday, Gricoski said.

Litwhiler said he is withdrawing from the race, once results are certified, because of allegations he contacted young girls. He has denied those allegations, but said he is withdrawing out of concern for his family.

Gricoski said a nominated candidate has until Aug. 9 to withdraw his name.