Eddie Garcia was formally introduced as the 28th police chief of Fort Worth at a press conference at City Hall on August 22, 2025. City Manager Jesus “Jay” Chapa and Mayor Mattie Parker addressed guests and members of the media during the event.
The recruitment process for the new chief began in February. It included community input sessions, a meet and greet, a community forum, and interviews with police command staff, associations, stakeholders, and city leadership.
“A world-class city starts with public safety. People don’t want to move to a city that isn’t safe, and people don’t want to visit a city that isn’t safe,” said Chapa. “We were fortunate to have such a large pool of candidates that applied, and we had three incredible candidates that would have all been able to become our next police chief. It was a difficult decision, but I leaned into the fact that Eddie has led two large police departments in cities with similar issues as Fort Worth, with diverse and complex communities. He has a track record of building trust with officers, boosting employee morale and connecting with residents. He brings the full package of what we wanted in the next chief.”
Garcia is currently serving as Assistant City Manager in Austin. The selection process drew over 50 applicants nationwide. Garcia’s experience includes improving relations between law enforcement and diverse communities comparable to those in Fort Worth.
“The bedrock of our City is around public safety. For the past four years, I understand that our city’s strengths rest simply in smart investments in our Fort Worth Police Department and in our neighborhoods, making all these things critically important in the success of the City of Fort Worth today and tomorrow. I am so incredibly proud of the men and women that wear the Fort Worth Police Department badge and their continued dedication to a safer and more secure community.
Parker saluted Interim Chief Robert Alldredge, who she said has “provided outstanding leadership, strengthened the community and serviced the department for decades.”
“Today, I’m here to tell you our leadership platform only gets better. Chief Eddie Garcia is a tested and proven leader, chosen to lead and embrace our community here in Fort Worth.”
Garcia’s appointment will be confirmed by resolution at the Fort Worth City Council meeting on September 16. He will also be sworn in on this date, with his first official day scheduled for September 22.
Chief Eddie Garcia previously served as Chief of Police in San Jose, California, and Dallas, Texas—both among the largest urban policing environments in the country. Throughout his career spanning decades, he developed reforms aimed at strengthening public trust while focusing on operational effectiveness.
Garcia grew up in San Jose’s Berryessa neighborhood after moving from Puerto Rico as a child. His background influenced his approach to public service by fostering empathy for diverse communities.
During his time as Assistant Chief in San Jose, Garcia worked on rebuilding staffing levels after personnel losses due to pension reform through collaborative labor partnerships. As Chief there, he partnered with San Jose State University to create an academy course addressing current social climate issues related to policing.
While leading Dallas’ police force, Garcia initiated transparency efforts like launching a Use of Force Dashboard; he reviewed departmental policies according to state law requirements; implemented crime reduction strategies; created advisory boards; modernized promotions; improved officer wellness programs; and advanced professional development initiatives.
Following his law enforcement career, Garcia took on executive oversight responsibilities for public safety departments—including Police, Fire, EMS—in Austin as Assistant City Manager.
His leadership emphasizes proactive engagement with communities along with disciplined operations within departments.
