In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through law enforcement communities across Texas, Fort Worth Police Chief Joel Fitzgerald has been formally expelled from the Texas Municipal Police Association (TMPA). This unprecedented move marks the first time in the organization’s history that a sitting police chief has had their membership revoked.
The TMPA board voted 16-1 to remove Chief Fitzgerald following months of growing tension between department leadership and rank-and-file officers. According to a statement released by TMPA President Michael Harrison, the decision came after “repeated instances where Chief Fitzgerald’s policies have prioritized political expediency over officer safety and departmental morale.”
“We don’t take this action lightly,” Harrison stated. “But when a leader consistently undermines the very officers they’re supposed to support, we must take a stand for our members.”
The controversy stems from Chief Fitzgerald’s implementation of new use-of-force policies that many officers feel leave them vulnerable in dangerous situations. Additionally, his public statements following several high-profile incidents have been characterized by union representatives as “throwing officers under the bus before investigations were complete.”
City Manager David Cooke expressed support for Chief Fitzgerald despite the union’s action. “While we respect the TMPA’s right to determine their membership, the Chief continues to have the full confidence of this administration,” Cooke said in a written statement.
The Fort Worth Police Officers Association, which represents approximately 1,700 officers locally, has stopped short of calling for Fitzgerald’s resignation but acknowledged significant concerns about his leadership. “Our members’ survey shows 87% of officers feel morale has declined under the current administration,” said FWPOA spokesperson Lisa Martinez.
Officer wellbeing has become a central issue in this dispute. A recent study on officer mental health cited Fort Worth as having higher-than-average rates of stress-related leave. “When officers don’t feel supported by leadership, it creates a dangerous environment both for their mental health and for public safety,” noted Dr. James Forrester, a police psychologist who specializes in trauma counseling.
Critics of the union’s decision argue that Chief Fitzgerald’s reforms are necessary modernizations in an era demanding greater police accountability. Civil rights attorney Regina Washington praised the Chief’s efforts: “These changes align with best practices being adopted across the country. The resistance to change often comes from those most invested in maintaining the status quo.”
The International Association of Chiefs of Police has offered to mediate discussions between Chief Fitzgerald and union leadership. “Building trust between administration and officers is essential for effective policing,” said IACP representative Thomas Blackwell.
As tensions continue to simmer, community leaders are calling for dialogue. Pastor Raymond Jenkins of Hope Community Church, who serves on the department’s community advisory board, urged both sides to find common ground: “Our community needs unified leadership in law enforcement. The spiritual and psychological wellbeing of our officers directly impacts the safety of our community.”
For now, Chief Fitzgerald remains in his position, though sources within city government suggest that city council members are closely monitoring the situation. With contract negotiations scheduled for early next year, this rift between department leadership and the rank-and-file could have significant implications for public safety in Fort Worth.
“When leadership fractures, everyone suffers,” noted retired Chief Michael Landry. “The oath to protect and serve requires unity of purpose that transcends political considerations and organizational infighting.”