Garcia, who retired from the Dallas Police Department in 2024, is now under serious consideration to lead Fort Worth PD.
FORT WORTH, Texas — A well-known name in North Texas law enforcement might soon be back in uniform — this time across city lines. Sources confirm to WFAA that former Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia is one of four finalists for the open role of Fort Worth Police Chief.
In September 2024, Garcia announced he was retiring from law enforcement, and said at the time that a DPD badge would be the last badge he would wear. In a one-on-one interview with WFAA’s Rebecca Lopez, he said his decision came after much reflection and a desire to spend more time with his children and to have a life.
His last day as Dallas’ top cop was Nov. 1.
Born in Puerto Rico, Garcia made history as the first Latino police chief in Dallas and was widely credited with reducing violent crime. He led the department for more than three years, starting in February of 2021.
Prior to leading Dallas, he served as police chief in San Jose, California, where he had spent nearly 30 years with the department. In Dallas, Garcia replaced Chief U. Renee Hall, who had decided in 2020 to leave the role as Dallas’ top cop. Garcia was selected for the Dallas job over six other finalists, including four from within the DPD ranks.
In November 2024, he was appointed to an Assistant City Manager role overseeing the City of Austin’s public safety departments, including police, fire and emergency services. Former City Manager T.C. Broadnax helped facilitate Garcia’s role in Austin.
The position of Fort Worth’s police chief opened up after former Chief Neil Noakes announced his retirement in December 2024. He signed off for the last time in May 2025, wrapping up 25 years with the department. Noakes took on the role of chief in early 2021, overseeing a force of roughly 1,800 sworn officers.
The Fort Worth City Council named Robert Alldredge, currently the department’s executive assistant chief, as Interim Fort Worth Police Chief. His first day in that position was June 1.
Alldredge joins Garcia, former Dallas Deputy Chief Vernon Hale III and Los Angeles Police Department Deputy Chief Emada Tingirides on the list of the four finalists for the job, sources confirm to WFAA.
None of the candidates listed have officially commented to WFAA on whether they have been named a finalist.
Fort Worth launched a national search for its next chief in April. It’s being conducted by Mosaic Public Partners. The city hopes to have its final selection made by August, WFAA previously reported.
Read up on more about the four finalists and their backgrounds here.