There's a new police chief in Fort Worth.
Neil Noakes beat out five other finalists to become Fort Worth's new police chief.
His promotion takes effect immediately.
"I think it's safe to say you're looking at the happiest man in Fort Worth right now," Chief Noakes said in his introductory news conference at Fort Worth City Hall. "I am absolutely delighted. I am humbled. I am honored."
Noakes has been with the Fort Worth Police Department since 2000, starting out as a patrol officer.
He was promoted to corporal/detective in 2008 and sergeant in 2012.
From 2015-2016, Noakes was a lieutenant in the Internal Affairs Section.
He became commander of the North Patrol Division in 2017 until being named deputy chief two years later.
Noakes says he's looking forward to the challenge of heading up one of the biggest police departments in the state.
"I will do my best to make sure I don't let anyone down," says Chief Noakes. "I will do my best to lead with integrity, to model the behavior we expect from all of our employees."
Chief Noakes was asked what he would tell a young Black man who might not trust the police these days.
"For that young man specifically, I would like to buy him coffee," says Noakes. "I'd like to buy him lunch. I would like to meet with him one-on-one."
Noakes takes over for Ed Kraus, who announced his retirement last year.
