Former Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes has joined the American Warrior Association as chief of strategic advancement. [Photo: American Warrior Association]

Retired Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes has joined the Fort Worth-based American Warrior Association as its chief of strategic advancement.  

The announcement comes just weeks after Texas lawmakers stood alongside the AWA in support of its program R3: Respond, Restore, Resolve—and first responders—to officially proclaim May 14, 2025, as Moral Injury Awareness Day.

“I know the toll this work can take on first responders and their families. When I retired from the FWPD, I hoped to continue serving the community and the profession that’s given so much to me. I’m grateful the AWA is the next step,” Noakes said in a statement. “The R3 program is providing critically important awareness of first responder wellness and the effects of moral injury, while simultaneously breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in the first responder community. I’m so proud and thankful to be part of the R3 team.”

Pioneering support to first responders

Noakes brings a strong perspective to his new role, the AWA said.

The son of a firefighter and with 25 years of his own service with the FWPD, Noakes has a unique understanding of pressures faced by first responders, the AWA said.

While he was Fort Worth’s chief, Noakes led several wellness-focused initiatives, including the launch of the department’s Wellness Unit and the implementation of the Checkpoint system—a tool designed to monitor and support officer wellness.

AWA said that Noakes was instrumental in launching the inaugural R3 program with both FWPD and FWFD, the first partnership of its kind to recognize the urgency of addressing moral injury.

“Chief Noakes represents the heart of what AWA stands for—service, integrity, and action. His firsthand experience and deep commitment to first responder wellness make him an extraordinary addition to our team,” AWA Executive Director Anna Heil said in a statement. “He’s not just joining an organization; he’s joining a movement to change how we care for those who serve. We’re incredibly grateful to have his leadership as we expand the reach and impact of R3.”

Launched in Fort Worth and powered by the AWA, R3 is a pioneering initiative that equips first responders with the tools, support, and resources needed to proactively address moral injury and improve mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. 

R3 programming has been adopted by the Fort Worth and Dallas Fire and Police Departments, as well as DFW International Airport, with growing interest from multiple agencies across the state. AWA said that earlier this year, the Texas Tactical Police Officers Association became an R3 partner.

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