Fort Worth police chief Neil Noakes to retire in 2025
FORT WORTH – Police Chief Neil Noakes plans to retire in May of 2025, the Fort Worth Police Department confirmed Monday afternoon.
"This is a big decision," said Noakes. "After a lot of prayer, a lot of consideration and speaking with my family I made the decision I will be retiring at the end of May 2025."
Noakes started his career in law enforcement with the department in 2000. He was hired as chief in 2021.
Noakes was an officer, detective, traffic investigator, north division commander, and deputy chief before becoming the chief and has been involved in numerous charities.
"I was an unproven quantity when I was selected," Noakes said. "I was fairly young and inexperienced compared to some of the candidates, and I want to thank City Manager David Cooke for taking a chance on me. and for being supportive."
Cooke thanked Noakes for a "job well done" and commended him for his work in the community
"His ability to work with all kinds of different people in the community is outstanding," said Cooke. "That's another thing we will miss with Chief Noakes."
Noakes said he is not leaving for another job nor is he looking to move, rather it is the best move for his family.
"For me to be the husband, the father and now grandfather that I want to be I have to step away from this position," he said.
Mayor Mattie Parker said Noakes' retirement is bittersweet and thanked him on behalf of the City of Fort Worth.
"As his friend and as mayor I am so proud of him ... and know he'll leave this department greater than he found it," said Parker.
Noakes said he looks forward to quality time with his family without "being tethered to his phone 24/7."
"I will enjoy being able to spend time with my beautiful wife, my kids and my grandchildren, and... not have to wake up every morning and check my emails to see if someone died, to see if something tragic happened in our city, if there's something that happened on my watch that I wasn't able to stop. I won't miss that."
Noakes also said his decision to retire has nothing to do with the change in city manager