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Outgoing San Francisco Sheriff Hennessey Oversees Demolition Of San Bruno Jail

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS/AP) -- San Francisco's outgoing sheriff is ending his tenure on a fitting note.

Michael Hennessey was on hand on Wednesday morning, as a wrecking ball began demolishing the city's old jail in San Bruno. Hennessey came into office 32 years ago vowing to do something about conditions at the Depression-era jail, which he and other critics called deplorable.

KCBS' Anna Duckworth Reports:

It was shut down five years ago after years of wrangling that included a federal class-action lawsuit. Although a new jail opened next door, the old building continued to stand.

Hennessey said he ran for sheriff because he believed it was wrong to have prisoners and deputies in such dangerous conditions. His administration ends on Sunday, when Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi will take over as sheriff.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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