FORT WORTH, Texas — Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes on Monday announced that after more than 25 years of service, he is retiring from law enforcement.

What You Need To Know

  • Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes announced his retirement from law enforcement Monday

  • Noakes has been chief of police since 2021. He started with the Fort Worth Police Department in 2000

  • Noakes said he is stepping down in order to spend more time with family 

  • Noakes is credited with reducing major crime in Fort Worth despite the city's population growth 

The announcement came during a press briefing. Noakes’ retirement will be effective in May 2025.

According to the City of Fort Worth, Noakes began his career with the police department on May 30, 2000. He was appointed police chief in 2021 by City Manager David Cooke.

Noakes has held various ranks in the Fort Worth Police Department and served in several areas, including Patrol, DWI, Motors and Internal Affairs.

Prior to being named chief, Noakes served as deputy chief, overseeing the South Command.

Noakes said his decision to step down involves family.

“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,” he said.

Cooke said that despite the city’s population growth over the last decade, Noakes and his team have been able to reduce major crime.

“You’ve got to love the job to be good at being a police chief and he’s an extraordinary police chief. If you hear him talk about the officers and the staff that work at the police department you get this beautiful understanding of what it’s like to be a police family. He leads the police department with that type of ethic and family feeling,” he said. 

Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker had nothing but praise for Noakes.

“I’m so grateful to Neil, his wife, and his family for the more than 25 years of service, sacrifice, and leadership that he has provided to Fort Worth. He has led the Fort Worth Police Department through some of the most difficult times our city has faced with humility, transparency, and compassion for the community as his top priority. He is truly leaving this department better than he found it,” Parker said.

Noakes plans to remain in Fort Worth.