Fort Worth has a new police chief.
Eddie Garcia, the former Dallas police chief, has been named the new chief of the Fort Worth Police Department, City Manager Jay Chapa announced Thursday afternoon.
Garcia, who led the Dallas Police Department from 2020 to 2024, left law enforcement last year, saying he was retiring for good. He later accepted a role as assistant city manager in Austin under former Dallas City Manager T.C. Broadnax, who had originally hired Garcia in Dallas.
Now, Garcia is returning to policing in Fort Worth. He, Chapa, and Mayor Mattie Parker are scheduled to hold a news conference Friday morning at Fort Worth City Hall.
Search narrowed to four finalists
The city began its search for a new police chief earlier this year after former Chief Neil Noakes announced his retirement. Last month, officials named four finalists: Garcia, interim Fort Worth Police Chief Robert Alldredge, former Dallas Police Deputy Chief Vernon Hale III, and Los Angeles Police Deputy Chief Emada Tingirides. Tingirides later withdrew from consideration.
Garcia’s appointment follows a six-month search process and has sparked both praise and criticism from community members and leaders.
Community leaders express concern
Pastor Kyev Tatum of New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church said he and the Ministers Justice Coalition opposed Garcia’s candidacy, citing his previous statements about leaving law enforcement permanently. Tatum also alleged Garcia received special treatment during the selection process.
“He is not gonna do what’s in our best interest, and he’s not gonna be here long. Mark my words. His instability, his lack of emotional intelligence…” Tatum said.
County commissioner praises decision
Tarrant County Commissioner Manny Ramirez offered a contrasting view, calling Garcia’s appointment a major win for Fort Worth.
“This is a very unique opportunity to get one of the greatest police chiefs in the nation,” Ramirez said. “It speaks to the collaboration between cities. Eddie Garcia is very familiar with Fort Worth, is very familiar with North Texas.”
Police association backs Garcia
The Fort Worth Police Officers Association released a statement on Facebook supporting Garcia’s leadership.
“We believe Chief Garcia’s vision and commitment to servant leadership will strengthen the relationship between our members and the citizens of Fort Worth,” the statement read. “Together, we look forward to building on the trust and progress that define our city’s future.”
Giles Hudson
contributed to this report.
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