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Dallas introduces and affirms new police and fire chiefs; leaders pledge focus on trust, recruitment and modernization
Summary
Dallas City Manager Kimberly Beiser Tolbert introduced Justin Ball as Dallas Fire Rescue chief and Daniel Como as Dallas Police chief on April 23; both were sworn that morning by City Secretary Billy Ray Johnson. Chiefs told council they will prioritize officer and firefighter safety, recruitment and community trust.
Dallas City Manager Kimberly Beiser Tolbert formally introduced Justin Ball as chief of Dallas Fire-Rescue and Daniel Como as Dallas Police chief during the Dallas City Council meeting on April 23, saying both leaders’ appointments were effective immediately and that Billy Ray Johnson, the city secretary, had administered the oaths earlier that morning.
The announcement came at the start of the meeting. Tolbert called public safety “the cornerstone” of city government and said both chiefs bring operational experience and stated priorities the city expects from its public-safety leadership.
Chief Justin Ball, the city’s new Dallas Fire-Rescue chief, told the council his “job is to support them, watch over them, and make sure they’re safe,” referring to the department’s firefighters and emergency personnel. Ball said he will push for data-driven service delivery, enhanced emergency medical care and cross-agency collaboration. He thanked the city manager and interim leaders who assisted during his transition.
Chief Daniel Como, sworn in the same morning and introduced by Tolbert as having over three decades in law enforcement, said he is “excited to be here” and pledged to prioritize residents’ safety and to work with councilmembers. Como described his background in the Drug Enforcement Administration and prior local law enforcement and said he will emphasize recruitment, retention, trust and transparency.
Mayor Eric L. Johnson and multiple councilmembers offered public support for the two chiefs at the meeting, saying they look forward to working with them as the city continues investments in public safety.
Tolbert told the council a formal, public swearing-in ceremony for both chiefs is planned for a joint event in early May; council members and the public will receive invitations.
The introductions were ceremonial; the city manager said the appointments are effective immediately and the chiefs will appear before the council again as their administrations move forward.
