Fort Worth Police Department via X
Neil Noakes
Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes announced Monday that he will retire in 2025, capping a 25-year career with the city.
Noakes joined the Fort Worth Police Department as a patrol officer out of the city's police academy but rose through the ranks to become chief in 2021. His tenure as chief was defined by community engagement and innovative leadership, city leaders said.
Noakes cited a desire to spend more time with his family as the reason for his decision.
“My emotions are mixed because I have been with the FWPD for half my life and have truly enjoyed my career,” Noakes said. “Being part of our FWPD family has been an incredible honor and a privilege. I work with amazing people who strive to make a positive difference every day.
“My decision comes down to family. I have a supportive and loving wife and children who have sacrificed so much and supported me and the Fort Worth Police Department. I became a grandfather in July, and I have a second grandchild on the way. It’s time for me to focus on my family.”
Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker and City Manager David Cooke joined Noakes at the news conference. They praised his leadership, dedication to the city, and his accomplishments as chief.
“Chief Noakes embodies what it means to serve with integrity and heart,” Parker said, fighting through tears. “While we will miss his leadership, we celebrate his decision to prioritize his family and look forward to his continued involvement in our community.”
The decision comes shortly after the city announced the hiring of Jay Chapa as David Cooke's successor as city manager. Cooke previously announced his plans to retire at the start of 2025. The City Council is scheduled to vote on Chapa's appointment at its meeting on Tuesday. One of Chapa's first orders of business will be identifying a new police chief.
Cooke, who appointed Noakes as chief in 2021, described the decision as a “no-risk choice” at the time. Cooke credited Noakes for uniting the department and engaging with Fort Worth’s diverse population.
During his tenure, Noakes played a pivotal role in shaping the relationship between the police department and the city’s police oversight office, established in 2020. Though he collaborated with oversight directors Kim Neal and Bonycle Sokunbi, he resisted calls for a civilian oversight board, arguing that its work would largely overlap with and be redundant to the oversight office. A majority of the City Council agreed with him, voting down a proposal to create a civilian board in November 2022.
“I have enjoyed working with an incredibly supportive mayor, council and city manager’s office,” Noakes said.
Throughout his 25 years of public service, Noakes has held various ranks and served in multiple areas of the department, including Patrol, DWI, Motors, and Internal Affairs. Previous to his promotion to chief, he served as deputy chief, overseeing South Command.
He has spearheaded several efforts during his three-year stint as chief, including an officer wellness initiative. He was also particularly involved in youth engagement programs such as Operation Progress, Read2Win, All Pro Dad and the City of Fort Worth’s Education Initiative.
Under his leadership, the department has also faced several challenges, including most recently the disclosure of an extensive backlog of sexual assault testing kits that, he said, totaled more than 1,200 missed state-mandated test deadlines over the past five years. Under his leadership, the department also faced scrutiny of its vehicle chase policy.
More recently, Noakes guided the department through a tragic incident this summer involving the death of Sgt. Billy Randolph, who was struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver while responding to a vehicle crash on Interstate 35W.
He said at the news conference that he intended for the testing kits backlog to be brought up to date by the time he leaves.
“Fort Worth is in good hands,” Noakes said, expressing confidence in the city’s current leadership and police department. “It has been the highlight of my professional life to serve on this amazing team. I’m not going anywhere; I’ll always support this city.”
Noakes earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from Tarleton State University and a master’s degree in criminal justice and criminology from TCU. Additionally, he is a graduate of the Southern Police Institute’s 137th Administrative Officers Course and TCU’s inaugural Leadership, Executive and Administrative Development Program.
“The sacrifices made by Chief Noakes and his family over the years have not gone unnoticed,” Parker said. “He leaves our city and department stronger than ever, and we are profoundly grateful for his service.”