Kraus was appointed as chief of police in December 2019. He is a 28-year veteran of the Fort Worth Police Department.
“Fort Worth has been incredibly blessed to have Chief Kraus at the helm of our police department,” Mayor Betsy Price said in a city news release. “His servant’s heart has been what the City of Fort Worth needed during these unprecedented times, and his leadership has been transformative for our community.”
During his tenure, Kraus helped to lay the groundwork for a “more accountable and transparent” department, Price said.
The mayor pointed to Kraus’s work with the Office of the Police Oversight Monitor, which was established in June, and his assistance in establishing a third-party panel for review.
“Chief Kraus has focused on promoting community problem-solving, reducing crime and enhancing justice for all of our residents,” City Manager David Cooke said.
Cooke noted Chief Kraus’s support for the Fort Worth community during a “turbulent period” regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and increased concern about “racial equity and police actions.”
“Chief Kraus has had the support and respect of his fellow officers and stakeholders in the Fort Worth community,” Cooke said.
Throughout his law enforcement tenure, which began in 1992, Chief Kraus has served the community in numerous capacities, including as an officer, a detective and a sergeant, the release said.
In addition, Chief Kraus has command experience as a district lieutenant, captain and commander. He also served as a deputy chief and assistant chief for the department.
Chief Kraus declined to be interviewed about the retirement announcement.