During the Fort Worth City Council meeting Sept. 16, the longtime law enforcement officer was sworn in as the city’s 28th police chief.
"Today is the beginning of a new chapter," Garcia said. "Together, with determination, courage and unity, we'll honor the past, meet the challenges of today and build a safer tomorrow."
What they’re saying
The two council members for northeast Fort Worth, District 4’s Charlie Lauersdorf and District 10’s Alan Blaylock, spoke to the new police chief during council comments.
“I know you know that badge may only be a few ounces, but you know how heavy that badge actually is,” Lauersdorf said. “Now, I have no doubt that you will take it serious. I have no doubt that you will honor the city with your leadership. I have no doubt that you will honor the men and women who are willing to put their lives online every single day for all of us.”
Blaylock said, “I’m very glad to have you. I am so excited for you and for our department. You are walking into a very strong police department. I know you will continue the excellence there and strive for even better."
What happened
Garcia was announced as the next police chief by City Manager Jesus “Jay” Chapa’s office Aug. 21. The week prior, the city held a public meet-and-greet at City Hall with three finalists.
The other finalists were Robert Alldredge Jr., the interim police chief for Fort Worth, and Vernon Hale III, the current assistant chief of police for the Prince George's County Police Department in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, according to previous reporting.
A fourth finalist, Emada Tingirdes from the Los Angeles Police Department, withdrew her name after getting a promotion in Los Angeles, according to a city news release.
What you need to know
Garcia was the assistant city manager in Austin and was the police chief in Dallas from February 2021 to October 2024, commanding the ninth-largest police department in the country, according to the news release. He’s been with the city of Austin since he was hired in September 2024, according to previous reporting.
In Austin, Garcia oversaw the fire department, police department, Austin/Travis County Emergency Medical Services, chief medical officer, forensic science department, Homeland Security and Emergency Management and labor relations, according to the city website.
Garcia was part of T.C. Broadnax’s staff, who was the former city manager of Dallas. Broadnax was hired as Austin’s city manager May 26, 2024, according to previous Community Impact reporting.
The background
Garcia spent 28 years working for the San Jose Police Department in California, the last five as police chief from 2016 to 2021, before going to Dallas.
In Fort Worth, he replaces Neil Noakes, who retired May 31. Noakes was at the swearing-in ceremony for Garcia, as was Alldredge.
