*"WHO WILL LEAD FORT WORTH'S FINEST? MEET THE NEXT POLICE CHIEF CANDIDATE"*

Robert A. Alldredge, Jr. Robert A. Alldredge, Jr. is a seasoned law enforcement professional with over 30 years of experience, including 26 years of distinguished service and progressive leadership with the Fort Worth Police Department (FWPD). He currently serves as the Interim Chief of Police, leading with a heart for service and a strong commitment to transparency and innovation, ensuring the community is informed and engaged. Chief Alldredge began his law enforcement career in 1994 and joined FWPD in 1999. Rising through the ranks from patrol officer to executive leadership, he has held command positions across nearly every major division, including Patrol, Tactical Operations, Professional Standards, and the Finance and Personnel Bureau. His leadership spans strategic planning, crisis management, operational efficiency, and community engagement.

Chief Alldredge began his law enforcement career in 1994 and joined FWPD in 1999. Rising through the ranks from patrol officer to executive leadership, he has held command positions across nearly every major division, including Patrol, Tactical Operations, Professional Standards, and the Finance and Personnel Bureau. His leadership spans strategic planning, crisis management, operational efficiency, and community engagement. As Executive Assistant Chief, he oversaw a combined budget exceeding $450M and implemented key initiatives shaping the department’s future. These include a complete staffing plan for 2026, patrol beat realignment, improvements in recruit training timelines, and the expansion of the Community Partnership Command. He was instrumental in creating the Civilian Response Unit and the Criminal Justice High School Program, which gives students hands-on experience in law enforcement and creates pathways into public safety careers. His accomplishments include pivotal roles in managing the department’s response to citywide protests in 2020, the “No Kings” protest in 2025, and the broader public safety challenges that followed. Additionally, he expanded the Crisis Intervention Team to better serve people experiencing a crisis by partnering with the Fort Worth Fire Department and mental health professionals to launch the Homeless Outreach Program Enforcement Strike Team. As for his department, officer wellness is a priority, and he consistently advocates for mental health support with the message: “It’s okay not to be okay.” His leadership style, influenced by his military background and extensive experience in law enforcement, is situational and adaptable. He prioritizes fairness and accountability within the organization, making everyone feel respected and valued. Throughout his career, he developed strong relationships within his department and with other city departments, city leaders, faith-based leaders, and the community. He emphasizes that public safety should be a shared responsibility, making everyone feel included and part of the solution. A United States Air Force veteran who served during Operation Desert Storm, Chief Alldredge holds a master’s degree in Criminal Justice and graduated from the FBI National Academy. He is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the FBI National Academy Associates and actively contributes to local and regional public safety boards. Chief Alldredge is a devoted husband of 27 years to his wife Sherry and a family man. Together, they have three children and are proud grandparents to two grandchildren. He is guided by faith and is a dedicated public servant who demonstrates humility, empathy, and compassion in his leadership, and has a vision to enhance safety for the Fort Worth community.

Eddie Garcia Eddie Garcia brings more than 30 years of experience in public safety that includes policies, procedures, and initiatives that were implemented to build community trust, increase transparency, as well as embrace fair and impartial constitutional policing while maintaining police proactivity. He currently serves as Assistant City Manager in Austin and most recently served as Police Chief of the Dallas Police Department, commanding the ninth-largest police department in the country. In Dallas, Garcia introduced a comprehensive Use of Force Dashboard providing transparency and accountability, brought in experts to study the use of force, worked with criminologists to develop a Crime Plan, and supported the formation of a Community Advisory Board to ensure ongoing dialogue with residents, city leaders, and police associations. Originally from Puerto Rico, Garcia's energetic, hands-on leadership style, along with 21st Century Policing practices, has taken the criminal elements off the streets in an unbiased way and reduced crime while maintaining the support of his command. Garcia also served as President of Major Cities Chiefs Association, a professional organization of police executives from across the United States and Canada. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Management from Union Institute and University and also attended the De Anza College in Cupertino, CA, where he studied Administration of Justice.

Vernon Hale Chief Vernon Hale is a distinguished law enforcement executive with over three decades of experience leading and transforming police organizations across the United States. He most recently served as Assistant Chief of Police for the Prince George’s County Police Department (PGPD), a premier Maryland law enforcement agency with an authorized strength of 1,736, reduced from 1,786 sworn officers, 329 professional staff, and a budget of $420 million. Since his appointment on November 21, 2021, Chief Hale has overseen critical components of the department, including the Office of Community First, Bureaus of Patrol, Homeland Security, Investigations, Forensics and Evidence, Administration, Media Relations, and Financial Management. Under his leadership, PGPD has successfully reduced violent and overall crime while strengthening community partnerships and stakeholder collaboration. Chief Hale previously served as Chief of Police for the historic Galveston Police Department in Texas, where he was appointed in December 2017 and began serving on January 2, 2018. As the third externally selected Chief in the department’s long history —established in 1839—he led 168 sworn officers and advanced strategic initiatives that modernized operations and deepened community engagement. He began his career with the Dallas Police Department in 1991, dedicating over 26 years to service and rising to the rank of Deputy Chief. During his tenure, he commanded the Narcotics Division and led the South Central and Southwest Patrol Divisions, demonstrating a relentless commitment to public safety and operational excellence. Chief Hale holds an AAS in Criminal Justice, a BAAS emphasizing Criminal Justice, Emergency Management, and Dispute Resolution, and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice, all from the University of North Texas. He has also served as a faculty member at University of North Texas, University of Phoenix Online, Sam Houston State University, and El Centro College. His leadership development includes completion of the FBI National Academy, PERF’s Senior Management Institute for Police, Institute for Law Enforcement Administration, FEMA’s Integrated Emergency Management Program, Leadership Bootcamp, and the Leadership Command College at Sam Houston State University. His outstanding service has been recognized through numerous awards, including the UNT School of Criminal Justice Alumni of the Year, Kappa Alpha Psi Achievement Award, German Marshall Fellow Award, Urban League of Greater Dallas Torch Award, NAACP Community Champion Award, and more. He was appointed an Admiral in the Texas Navy by the Governor, further honoring his lifelong dedication to public service. Chief Hale is widely respected for his visionary leadership, commitment to justice, and deep-rooted belief in community-centered policing.