New Leaders at the Helm: Dallas Welcomes New Police and Fire Chiefs
In a significant event for the city, Dallas officially welcomed its new Police and Fire-Rescue Chiefs on May 5, 2025. The swearing-in ceremony, held at Concord Baptist Church, was attended by a large crowd, highlighting the community’s support and interest in their new leaders.
The event saw speeches from City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert, Mayor Eric L. Johnson, and Councilmember Cara Mendelsohn, who chairs the Public Safety Committee, marking the occasion as a pivotal moment for Dallas’ public safety leadership.
Chief Daniel Comeaux steps into the role with an impressive 33-year background in law enforcement. Previously, he served as the Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Houston Field Division. His extensive experience includes overseeing operations across Texas, with a focus on reducing crime through intelligence-driven strategies and fostering interagency cooperation.
Hailing from New Orleans, Comeaux began his policing journey in 1991 with the Houston Police Department, specializing in community engagement, narcotics enforcement, and complex investigations. His tenure at the DEA involved leading high-stakes operations in major cities like Houston, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, achieving notable reductions in violent crime and drug trafficking activities.
Meanwhile, Chief Justin Ball assumes leadership as Dallas’ 18th Fire Chief, responsible for managing a substantial $430 million budget and leading a workforce of approximately 2,200 dedicated fire and emergency service personnel. His career with Dallas Fire-Rescue (DFR) began in 1997 and saw him rise through the ranks, holding positions such as Field Deputy Chief and Executive Assistant Chief of Operations.
Ball’s appointment follows his interim role after Chief Dominique Artis transitioned to become the city’s first Chief of Public Safety. His academic credentials include a bachelor’s degree in Fire Administration from Texas A&M, along with several professional certifications like Master Firefighter and Incident Commander.
Originally from northeast England, Ball has made Dallas his home for over three decades, embracing the DFR community as his extended family.
For those interested in watching the ceremony, the event is available online: Dallas Police and Fire Chief Joint Swearing-In Ceremony
Read More Here
