The city of Fort Worth hosted a press conference Dec. 9 at the Bob Bolen Public Safety Complex, where Noakes announced he would retire. He has been the chief of police since January 2021.
He begin his career in law enforcement with the Fort Worth Police Department in May 30, 2000, according to a news release.
In their own words
“My emotions are mixed because I have been with the FWPD for half my life and have truly enjoyed my career. Being part of our FWPD family has been an incredible honor and a privilege,” Noakes said. “I work with amazing people who strive to make a positive difference every day. I have also enjoyed working with an incredibly supportive mayor, council and city manager’s office.
"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.”
The background
Noakes has held various ranks and served in multiple areas of the department.
Prior to being police chief, he was deputy chief overseeing the Fort Worth Police South command. He also helped establish a wellness unit and was involved in youth engagement programs, such as Operation Progress, Read2Win, All Pro Dad and the city of Fort Worth’s Education Initiative, according to a news release.
He earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from Tarleton State University and a master’s degree in criminal justice and criminology from Texas Christian University, according to his bio on the city website.
Stay tuned
The city did not announce a timetable for a replacement for Noakes. Newly hired city manager Jay Chapa, who starts Jan. 27, said he will be part of the process to replace Noakes.
Chapa, in his role as assistant city manager, oversaw the police department and hired Noakes as chief in 2021.
"I think it's going to be a collaboration, getting an idea what the City Council is looking for and there is an assistant city manager over the police department," Chapa said during an impromptu press conference Dec. 10 at City Hall. "That task will fall to that person to run that piece. It's not what a city manager does directly, but at the end of the day, the city manager recommends that person to council. It is a process and it will be involved."
