VIDEO: Fired Phoenix Chief Speaks Out About Unions

Now-former Phoenix Police Chief Daniel Garcia continued to be defiant following Thursday's announcement that he had been relieved of his duties .

In a one-on-one interview with ABC15, Garcia spoke out about why he felt the need to hold a press conference that resulted in his dismissal.

"We need to stand up for our principles and stand up for policing and stand up for our community," he said. "This was a public safety issue for me, but sometimes you have to make tough decisions and you have to stand up for the community we serve."

"I thought it was important for the citizens of Phoenix to understand that we can't allow union boards to run police organizations. I wanted them to have a voice, but ultimately, the buck stops with me."

Garcia and the unions have butted heads since he was hired in 2012.  Unions representing Phoenix police officers sought a vote of no confidence in Garcia last month, alleging the chief had lost credibility with the officers in his charge.