By Edward Saenz & Chris Garcia
In a significant leadership transition, Houston Mayor John Whitmire appointed J. Noe Diaz as the new Chief of Police for the Houston Police Department, alongside the appointment of Orlando “Thomas” Muñoz as the new Chief of the Houston Fire Department.
The appointments were made official in a swearing-in ceremony held during the City Council session on Aug. 14.
“We are able to put a team in place that makes public safety the highest priority…I got two very experienced and dedicated public servants,” Whitmire said about the two new chiefs.
“I’ve worked with them; I’ve seen them in action. They care about Houston. They care about diversity, community involvement. I couldn’t be more pleased.”
Chief J. Noe Diaz brings a wealth of experience to his new role, with a career in law enforcement that began in 1987. Diaz started as a correctional officer with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice before moving to the Harris County Precinct 5 Constable’s Office in 1994. Two years later, the Texas Department of Public Safety selected Diaz to attend the DPS Academy A-96, where he trained as a DPS Trooper and was later assigned to the Highway Patrol Office in Katy, Texas.
Throughout his career, Chief Diaz has pursued higher education and specialized training, earning a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Houston-Downtown, a Master of Science in Criminology from Lamar University, and graduating from prestigious programs like the FBI National Academy and the Northwestern University Center for Public Safety. His commitment to continuous learning is evident as he prepares to enroll in the University of Houston Certified Public Manager Program in 2025.
During the ceremony, Diaz emphasized his commitment to fostering a strong relationship between the police department and the community.
“We will meet the day, meet the challenges first with kindness, for the love of every community to make sure that this community prospers collectively together and the police department works within the community because the community is our biggest asset,” Diaz stated.
Alongside Diaz, Thomas Muñoz was appointed as the Chief of the Houston Fire Department. Muñoz, a retired Assistant Chief of HFD, has extensive experience in emergency management, having served as the City’s Emergency Management Coordinator and the acting Director for the Mayor’s Office of Public Safety and Homeland Security.
Mayor Whitmire expressed his confidence in Muñoz, citing his leadership during several major emergencies, including the flooding in Kingwood, the derecho, Hurricane Beryl, and the winter freeze.
“Chief Muñoz is a strong leader dedicated to preparing and protecting Houstonians for emergencies. I believe he is the best emergency management coordinator in the country,” Whitmire remarked.
Chief Muñoz, who holds multiple degrees in emergency management and homeland security, highlighted his dedication to the safety of Houston’s residents and the well-being of the city’s firefighters.
“The work we do today will have a lasting impact for years to come, and I know that with this administration, we can improve the safety of all residents and future generations,” Muñoz said.
Both leaders are set to steer their respective departments toward a future grounded in collaboration, safety, and community engagement, as they step into their new roles at a pivotal time for the city of Houston.
