Houston police have fired a veteran officer who was investigated for tossing a tear gas canister at rivals during a Houston Rodeo barbecue cook-off in February, officials confirmed.

Mike Hamby, 52, a senior police officer with the burglary and theft division, was relieved of duty on June 17 as a result of his indefinite suspension, said HPD spokesman Victor Senties.

Hamby, who was sworn in as a Houston police officer in December 1980, can retire and not contest the firing handed down by Chief Charles McClelland. Or he can file an appeal with the Police Officer's Civil Service Commission or ask for an independent review by a hearing examiner, union officials confirmed.

Hamby could not be reached for comment.

HPD officials said they could not discuss the findings of the internal affairs investigation, but in February rodeo officials were told HPD was investigating reports Hamby threw tear gas into a tent of rivals from the Fayette County Cookers during the cooking contest. The powerful chemical irritant wafted over two military veterans — both of them multiple amputees — who were brought to the rodeo event in wheelchairs and were waiting for a ride home.

"I've known Mike since he came on the department as a rookie officer, he's a good man who did an outstanding job,“ said Mark Clark, executive director of the Houston Police Officer's Union. "It's a sad thing he was terminated this way, and we are supportive of him whatever he decides to do — to retire or appeal.“

However, Clark said Hamby has insisted he was not responsible for releasing any tear gas at the late night event.

Hamby was off duty at the time of tear gas incident, and was not working security at the event for the rodeo, rodeo officials confirmed at the time.

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As an immediate result of the gas release, Hamby was forced to resign his volunteer position on the rodeo's calf scramble committee, and also stepped down from his position on the board of the Houston Police Officer's Union.

james.pinkerton@chron.com