Dr. Joel Fitzgerald has been named the new police chief of Fort Worth, according to city officials.
Fitzgerald became chief of police in Allentown, Pa., in December 2013. He served as chief in Missouri City, Texas, from 2009 to 2013 and in various command ranks in with the Philadelphia Police Department between 1992 and 2009.
“Chief Fitzgerald’s more than 20 years of experience, combined with his strong leadership skills and his personal commitment to community engagement and involvement, make him the best choice to lead the Fort Worth Police Department in this new era of community policing,” City Manager David Cooke said in a statement.
City council will consider a resolution appointing Fitzgerald as police chief on Sept. 29 at city hall.
Fitzgerald holds a Ph.D. in business administration, a master’s of business administration in executive management and a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts.
He replaces Jeff Halstead, who abruptly retired last January.
Fitzgerald and his wife Pauline have three children and one grandchild. He is expected to begin work in Fort Worth on Oct. 19.
