FORT WORTH, Texas–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Just weeks after Texas lawmakers stood alongside The American Warrior Association (AWA) in support of their program R3: Respond, Restore, Resolve – and first responders – to officially proclaim May 14, 2025, as Moral Injury Awareness Day, retired Fort Worth Police Department (FWPD) Chief Neil Noakes has joined the AWA as its Chief of Strategic Advancement, bringing decades of frontline experience and nationally respected leadership in public safety and officer wellness to advance the R3 program.
“I know the toll this work can take on first responders and their families. When I retired from the FWPD, I hoped to continue serving the community and the profession that’s given so much to me. I’m grateful the AWA is the next step,” commented Noakes. “The R3 program is providing critically important awareness of first responder wellness and the effects of moral injury, while simultaneously breaking the stigma surrounding mental health in the first responder community. I’m so proud and thankful to be part of the R3 team.”
Chief Noakes brings unmatched perspective to his new role. The son of a firefighter and 25 years of his own service with the FWPD, he has a unique understanding of pressures faced by first responders. During his tenure as Chief, he led several wellness-focused initiatives, including the launch of the department’s Wellness Unit and the implementation of the Checkpoint system—a tool designed to monitor and support officer wellness. Noakes was instrumental in launching the inaugural R3 program with both FWPD and FWFD, the first partnership of its kind to recognize the urgency of addressing moral injury.
“Chief Noakes represents the heart of what AWA stands for—service, integrity, and action. His firsthand experience and deep commitment to first responder wellness make him an extraordinary addition to our team,” said AWA Executive Director Anna Heil. “He’s not just joining an organization; he’s joining a movement to change how we care for those who serve. We are incredibly grateful to have his leadership as we expand the reach and impact of R3.”
Noakes’ professional credentials include:
- Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology from Texas Christian University (TCU)
- Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Tarleton State University
- Associate’s Degree from Weatherford College
- Graduate of TCU’s inaugural Leadership, Executive and Administrative Development (LEAD) Program, where he now serves as a cofounder and instructor
- Graduate of the Southern Police Institute’s 137th Administrative Officers Course, a nationally recognized law enforcement leadership program
During the 89th Legislative Session, the Texas House and Senate presented official Resolutions establishing the first ever Moral Injury Awareness Day in Texas. The bipartisan effort underscores the state’s commitment to raising awareness of the psychological and emotional toll faced by military members, veterans, first responders, frontline professionals and their families. Moral injury, a condition distinct from PTSD, and often considered its precursor, occurs when individuals witness, participate in, or fail to prevent actions that violate their moral values, leading to guilt, shame and moral distress.
About R3 – Respond, Restore, Resolve
Launched in Fort Worth and powered by the American Warrior Association (AWA), R3 is a pioneering initiative that equips first responders with the tools, support and resources needed to proactively address moral injury and improve mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. The program enhances resilience, reduces absenteeism, and builds healthier departments—ultimately improving service to the community.
R3 programming has been adopted by the Fort Worth and Dallas Fire and Police Departments, as well as DFW International Airport, with growing interest from multiple agencies across the state. Earlier this year, the Texas Tactical Police Officers Association (TTPOA) became an R3 Partner. The TTPOA membership base is approximately 5,500 individuals working within 2,300 organizations.
About the American Warrior Association
The American Warrior Association (AWA) is a Texas-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting our nation’s military, veterans, first responders, and their families in mind, body, and soul. As the national steward of the R3 initiative, AWA continues to lead the charge in addressing the long-term wellness of America’s frontline professionals.
For more information about the R3 initiative, visit: https://www.awa-usa.org/programs/r3-program.
Contacts
Susan K. Medina, 817.707.1306 or
Brooke Goggans, 617.680.1048;
The Collaborative
