New Fort Worth police chief: ‘I don’t hide, I’m very public’

Incoming Fort Worth police Chief Joel Fitzgerald doesn’t like to be called “Dr.”

Although the Allentown, Pa., chief has a doctorate in business administration, he told a crowd of City Council members and elected officials Monday that he prefers to be called “chief.”

At a midafternoon news conference in front of City Hall, Fitzgerald, 44, flanked by current and retired police officers and elected and grassroots civic leaders, said his leadership style is to encourage participation and promote transparency.

“It’s about being part of the community,” Fitzgerald said. “The community needs to see [police] as a resource, as partners.”

He said he doesn’t want kids to run away when they see a police officer.

“We are there to walk kids through some tough times in their lives. We shouldn’t be viewed as the occupying force that makes you run away when we pull up on the corner,” he said.

Fitzgerald’s words drew smiles and nods from current and retired black officers at the news conference.

“That’s a fact” that kids in Fort Worth run from police, said Luther Perry, who retired after 25 years on the Fort Worth force.

“In some communities, police are embraced. But in others, an element of trust has been lost. It takes rebuilding that trust,” he said.

Fitzgerald is the city’s first African-American police chief. Asked if he thought that was important, he said: “It’s as important as it was to be the first African-American chief in Allentown, the first African-American chief in Missouri City. I consider myself very fortunate to be a first in three different cities. Hopefully I will not be the last.

“The bottom line is we’ve come so far as a community, and so far as a city that it’s a shame that should have to be a consideration. But with that being said, I know what responsibilities come with my position and what I mean to the community.”

The first six African-American officers joined the Fort Worth force in 1953. Among them was Lonnell Cooper, who rose in the ranks to become the city’s first African-American police sergeant and, later, constable.

Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price noted Fitzgerald’s efforts in community policing. She pointed to a 2010 award he received from the NAACP for his community service in Missouri City while he was chief there.

“He also knows there are issues to be faced and changes to be made,” Price said.

Fitzgerald was chosen as Fort Worth’s chief after a nine-month search. He was ultimately chosen over five finalists, two of whom are currently assistant chiefs within the department.

“He’s very personable,” said Rick Van Houten, president of the Fort Worth Police Officers Association. More importantly, Van Houten said, Fitzgerald will be able to make decisions that have been “placed on the back burner” while the city waited for a permanent police chief.

“Staffing, infrastructure, you name it,” he said.

Officially, the decision to hire Fitzgerald was made by City Manager David Cooke. He will report to the new Assistant City Manager Valerie Washington. But the Fort Worth City Council is scheduled to vote on a resolution approving Fitzgerald’s selection on Tuesday.

He’ll begin work Oct. 19 with an annual salary of $205,000, Cooke has said.

Staff writer Bud Kennedy contributed to this report, which includes material from the Star-Telegram archives.

This story was originally published September 28, 2015 at 7:12 PM with the headline "New Fort Worth police chief: ‘I don’t hide, I’m very public’."