Edgardo “Eddie” Garcia, the 30th Police Chief of the Dallas, Texas Police Department and the first Latino to lead the department in its 140-year history, has been inducted as an honorary member of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. The announcement was made today during the fraternity’s biennial Leadership Conference.

Chief Garcia’s appointment in 2021 marked a historic moment for the nation’s ninth largest police department. According to the press release issued by the fraternity, his leadership and dedication to public service have earned him an extension at the helm of Dallas’s police force, as announced by Interim Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert earlier this year. A native of Puerto Rico, Chief Garcia brought with him a wealth of experience from his 29 years with the San Jose, California Police Department, where he served in various capacities including narcotics officer, patrol Sergeant, night detective, and homicide investigator. His rise through the ranks to Captain, Deputy Chief, and ultimately Chief of the San Jose Police Department in 2016 highlights his commitment and exemplary service in law enforcement.

Chief Garcia holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice management from Union Institute and University and studied administration of justice at De Anza College in Cupertino, California. His academic background, coupled with his extensive field experience, underscores his qualifications and dedication to advancing public safety and justice.

Founded in 1963 on the campus of Morgan State University, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity is deeply rooted in the civil rights movement. The fraternity’s 60th anniversary last year coincided with the 60th anniversary of the historic March on Washington. This legacy of advocacy and social justice continues to shape the organization’s core principles of Scholarship, Citizenship, Leadership, Fidelity, and Brotherhood.

Dr. Sean D. Housen, Sr., the 23rd International Grand Polaris of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc., expressed pride in welcoming Chief Garcia and the other inductees. “We are excited and proud to welcome into our Brotherhood four men who have lived exemplary lives and who have represented our fine tradition of strong citizenship and leadership,” Housen stated. “Today, Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. welcomes retired Capitol Hill Police Officer Harry Dunn; the Honorable Lioneld Jordan, the five-term mayor of Fayetteville, Arkansas; retired Dean of the Graduate School at the University of Texas Austin, Dr. Mark J.T. Smith; and Chief Edgardo (Eddie) Garcia of the Dallas, Texas Police Department. We welcome these men and convey to them our gratitude for their public service.”

Brian Love, Chairman of Iota Phi Theta’s Board of Directors, emphasized the significance of the new honorary members. “These four remarkable public servants are ideal for this honor. Their lives and commitment to public service are in alignment with the history and practices of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. Each man, in his own way, has contributed greatly to his community. We admire the commitment and determination of this class of Honorary Members. Your exceptional achievements and contributions in your respective fields have not only earned you this esteemed recognition but have also set a benchmark of excellence and inspiration for all of us. We are excited to welcome these men into our Brotherhood and know that our Members are eager to fellowship with our new Honorary Brothers.”

Dr. Housen added, “Iota reserves Honorary Membership for those citizens who represent our ideals and are exemplary in their public service. We take seriously the honor of bestowing our colors – Brown and Gold – upon any man. We say ‘It takes a Man’ to be an Iota and we say that to note it takes a serious, committed, intelligent, and selfless individual to be an Iota. We pride ourselves on producing leaders who do not seek the spotlight but whose passion is public service and contributing to building a better world. Officer Harry Dunn, Mayor Lioneld Jordan, Dr. Mark J.T. Smith, and Chief Eddie Garcia are four such men. It is my honor to welcome them into our Brotherhood and to call them Iotas and my Brothers.”