DENVER -- Just two days before he retires, the Denver manager of safety fired three police officers involved in an excessive force case dating back to April 18, 2008.

Al LaCabe sent 7NEWS a statement that said he issued disciplinary orders Tuesday terminating the employment of three Denver police officers -- Cameron Moerman, Charles Porter and Luis Rivera.

The men were fired "following a lengthy investigation and disciplinary process," according to LaCabe.

Each of the three dismissed officers may appeal the dismissal to the Denver Civil Service.

The 2008 case involved the stomping of Juan Vasquez, who was 16 at the time.

7NEWS reported that the teen sued the city for $3 million, claiming Porter jumped up and down on his back causing a lacerated liver, broken ribs and kidney injuries. The city of Denver paid $885,000 to settle the lawsuit.

The officers claimed Vasquez was holding a beer and drinking underage.

Porter was charged with assault. However, he was found not guilty by a jury in 2009. The two other officers were never charged.

The Denver Post reported that Porter has remained on paid administrative leave from the Denver Police Department since his acquittal.

LaCabe told the newspaper part of the reason he decided to fire Rivera and Moerman was because he determined they failed to report Porter’s actions.

LaCabe would not say why he fired the men just two days before he is set to retire.

The decision has infuriated the Denver Police Protective Agency.

"I'm not sure what (LaCabe's) thinking was. But, it's flawed on so many levels, it's beyond comprehension," said Sgt. Mike Mosco, president of the DPPA. "When the manager of safety was hired - one of his promises to the community was that he was going to expedite discipline decisions. Well, that's not been the case."

Friends of the teenager said the decision to fire the officers was justified.

"They got him and they beat him up and jumped all over him, held him and they were holding onto the fence and jumping on him," said one man who witnessed it happen. "They should fire more officers that do things like that."

"He respects people. He's a good kid. He lost his mother a few years ago and he tries hard to be a good kid," said a friend of the teenage boy.

Friends said Vasquez has long term kidney damage and might be on dialysis for life.