Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes announced Monday that he plans to retire from law enforcement middle of next year.
For now, Noakes shared that he plans to retire in May of 2025, which will be exactly 25 years after he started his career with the Fort Worth Police Department. Since 2000, he has been in multiple positions, such as Patrol, DWI, Motors, and Internal Affairs, before becoming chief in 2021. He oversaw the South Command as Deputy Chief.
During a news presser on Monday afternoon, Chief Noakes shared his regards to why he made this decision followed by remarks from Mayor Mattie Parker and City Manager David Cooke.
It's a bittersweet announcement," Noakes said. "[It was] after much thought and conversations with family."
The chief shared that he is a grandfather of one and there are grandchildren to be expected soon. Noakes wanted to make sure he could spend time with the growing family and not regret missing these young years.
Noakes expressed his gratitude towards the people he worked with and the Fort Worth Department overall. Parker also shed some tears saying how much of a positive impact he had on the police department.
"I am so fortunate to work with the best police department in the world and the best people in the world," Noakes said.
Officials said they plan on a smooth transition from now through May of 2025.
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