The City of Fort Worth formally introduced Eddie Garcia as its newest police chief in a news conference on Friday.

“Chief Eddie Garcia is a tested and proven leader, needed to energize the men and women in uniform and to embrace our community here in Fort Worth,” said Mayor Mattie Parker, calling him the perfect leader for the job.

Fort Worth City Manager Jesus ‘Jay’ Chapa introduced Garcia after appointing him to the position on Thursday afternoon.

“A world-class city starts with safety. People don’t want to move to a city that’s not safe, people don’t want to visit a place that is not safe, so public safety is always the bedrock of any community,” Chapa said.

Chapa praised the field of candidates and said it was a difficult decision, but that input from various stakeholders throughout the city was taken into consideration in choosing Garcia.

Once sworn in, Garcia, the former San Jose and Dallas police chief and one-time Austin assistant city manager for public safety, will be the city’s 28th police chief.

“I stand before you today with a profound sense of humility, gratitude, and determination as I accept the responsibility of serving as the chief of police for the City of Fort Worth,” Garcia said. “This is not just a selection to a position, it is a calling to serve one of the greatest and most supportive cities in our country. And it is a responsibility I will carry with every ounce of energy that I have.”

Garcia went on to thank Chapa, Parker and former Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes, who announced his retirement in December 2024 and officially stepped down in May 2025.

In outlining his vision for the future, Garcia first spoke to the citizens of Fort Worth.

“Every resident of this city deserves to feel safe in their home, in their neighborhoods and on our streets,” he said. “You will be treated with dignity and respect by your police department. We will work to earn and maintain your trust every single day.”

I take crime reduction personally

Incoming Fort Worth Police Chief Eddie Garcia

Garcia had a different message for criminals.

“Those who prey on others, who bring violence to our neighborhood, who destroy lives with violence or drugs should know that the Fort Worth Police Department will pursue them relentlessly,” he said. “We will hold the line, we will defend our community and all criminals will have every reason to fear this police department.”

Garcia then addressed the rank-and-file.

“I will never ask you to go through walls for us, without me going through walls for you first. I want you to know I am here to serve you as much as I am here to serve this community,” he said.

Garcia tells NBC 5 he will start in his new role on Sept. 22. Interim Chief Robert Alldredge Jr., who also applied for the position as chief, will continue in his role and work until that time.