Former Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes joins the American Warrior Association as Chief of Strategic Advancement.
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FORT WORTH, Texas, June 23, 2025<\/b>–(BUSINESS WIRE<\/a>)–Just weeks after Texas lawmakers stood alongside The American Warrior Association (AWA) in support of their program R3: Respond, Restore, Resolve \u2013 and first responders \u2013 to officially proclaim May 14, 2025, as Moral Injury Awareness Day, retired Fort Worth Police Department (FWPD) Chief Neil Noakes has joined the AWA as its Chief of Strategic Advancement, bringing decades of frontline experience and nationally respected leadership in public safety and officer wellness to advance the R3 program.<\/p>\n “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\u2019s given so much to me. I\u2019m grateful the AWA is the next step,” commented Noakes. “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\u2019m so proud and thankful to be part of the R3 team.”<\/p>\n Chief Noakes brings unmatched perspective to his new role. The son of a firefighter and 25 years of his own service with the FWPD, he has a unique understanding of pressures faced by first responders. During his tenure as Chief, he led several wellness-focused initiatives, including the launch of the department\u2019s Wellness Unit and the implementation of the Checkpoint system\u2014a tool designed to monitor and support officer wellness. 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.<\/p>\n “Chief Noakes represents the heart of what AWA stands for\u2014service, integrity, and action. His firsthand experience and deep commitment to first responder wellness make him an extraordinary addition to our team,” said AWA Executive Director Anna Heil. “He\u2019s not just joining an organization; he\u2019s joining a movement to change how we care for those who serve. We are incredibly grateful to have his leadership as we expand the reach and impact of R3.”<\/p>\n Noakes\u2019 professional credentials include:<\/p>\n Master\u2019s Degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology<\/b> from Texas Christian University (TCU)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Bachelor\u2019s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration<\/b> from Tarleton State University<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Associate\u2019s Degree<\/b> from Weatherford College<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Graduate of TCU\u2019s inaugural Leadership, Executive and Administrative Development (LEAD) Program<\/b>, where he now serves as a cofounder and instructor<\/b><\/p>\n<\/li>\n Graduate of the Southern Police Institute\u2019s 137th Administrative Officers Course<\/b>, a nationally recognized law enforcement leadership program<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Story Continues <\/p>\n During the 89th Legislative Session, the Texas House and Senate presented official Resolutions establishing the first ever Moral Injury Awareness Day in Texas. The bipartisan effort underscores the state’s commitment to raising awareness of the psychological and emotional toll faced by military members, veterans, first responders, frontline professionals and their families. Moral injury, a condition distinct from PTSD, and often considered its precursor, occurs when individuals witness, participate in, or fail to prevent actions that violate their moral values, leading to guilt, shame and moral distress.<\/p>\n About R3 \u2013 Respond, Restore, Resolve<\/b><\/p>\n Launched in Fort Worth and powered by the American Warrior Association (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. The program enhances resilience, reduces absenteeism, and builds healthier departments\u2014ultimately improving service to the community.<\/p>\n 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. Earlier this year, the Texas Tactical Police Officers Association (TTPOA) became an R3 Partner. The TTPOA membership base is approximately 5,500 individuals working within 2,300 organizations.<\/p>\n About the American Warrior Association<\/b><\/p>\n The American Warrior Association (AWA) is a Texas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting our nation\u2019s military, veterans, first responders, and their families in mind, body, and soul. As the national steward of the R3 initiative, AWA continues to lead the charge in addressing the long-term wellness of America\u2019s frontline professionals.<\/p>\n For more information about the R3 initiative, visit: https:\/\/www.awa-usa.org\/programs\/r3-program<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n