FORT WORTH (WBAP/KLIF)- Fort Worth Police Executive Assistant Chief Ed Kraus was officially sworn in as Interim Police Chief. Kraus replaces former Chief Joel Fitzgerald who was fired last week. Kraus said he is thankful City Manager David Cooke gave him the blessing to move the police department forward. “The main thing is to strengthen the community relationships that we started to build…Chief Fitzgerald put us in a great position to do that…he’s implemented policies that we are hoping to build on especially with the youth,” Kraus said. Kraus talked highly of Fitzgerald at the swearing in ceremony Tuesday afternoon. “Joel and I have talked on the phone …I’m asking that the community prays for him and his family ,” Kraus said.” He has prepared me for this position and I owe him a lot,” he said.
Kraus said there will be some changes with internal policies regarding dispatch but wants to get input from the Police Officers Association first. Fort Worth Police Officers Association President Manny Ramirez said he hopes the department will permanently fill the chief spot soon. “The officers need to know what the vision is and the sooner we can get that settled the better,” he said. “I think we are in a great position moving forward and I’m really excited about the future of Fort Worth PD,” he said.
Officer Kraus said it’s very likely he’ll apply full term. “I do want to find out what the City Manager’s vision for that position is and make sure it aligns with what i’m looking for personally and professionally,” Kraus said.
