As the Dallas Police Department bids farewell to Chief Eddie Garcia, Interim City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert has designated Executive Assistant Chief Michael Igo to step in as the Interim Chief of Police. As reported, the transition will take place at the close of business on October 18, marking a new chapter in the leadership of a department that serves one of the nation's most populous cities.
Chief Igo is not a stranger to the force, carrying a robust 33-year tenure that has seen him climb the ranks through a series of promotions since his first nod to senior corporal in 1997. His ascendancy through the positions of sergeant, lieutenant, major, deputy chief, and assistant chief reflects a career steeped in various facets of law enforcement.
In a statement, Interim City Manager Tolbert expressed confidence in Igo's abilities to guide the department during this interim phase. "I am confident that Chief Igo will provide the Dallas Police Department with the continuity we need during this transition. His experience, trust within the community, and knowledge of the Department gives me the confidence that he is the right person at the right time for this assignment," she said, as per the City of Dallas. Furthermore, Tolbert highlighted Igo's steadfast service and the focus he will continue to place on the community's safety.
Igo, reflecting on his appointment, expressed both honor and gratitude. "It is an honor to be named as Interim Dallas Police Chief. I want to thank Interim City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert for this assignment and her confidence in me," Igo stated, per the City of Dallas. He reaffirmed his decade-long dedication to the city's safety and promised to remain attentive to crime reduction and recruiting efforts.
Chief Igo's academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science degree in Commercial Economics from South Dakota University, along with completion of several law enforcement leadership programs. His collaborations with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, paired with his experience as a departmental liaison to City Hall, have poised him well to handle the multifaceted challenges of his interim post as he takes the helm later this month.
