City of Fate Announces Appointment of New Chief of Police

FATE, TX (May 4, 2026) — The City of Fate is proud to announce the appointment of Ron Winegar, a highly decorated and visionary law enforcement leader, as the new Chief of Police for Fate Police Department.

Chief Winegar brings 29 years of municipal policing experience, including service as Chief of Police for the Boise Police Department, one of the largest and most respected agencies in the region. His background includes executive leadership of an organization of more than 400 personnel, extensive collaboration with local and regional partners, and a proven ability to build strong, trusted relationships with the community.

Throughout his career, Chief Winegar has earned recognition for his professionalism, integrity, and balanced leadership approach. His experience includes:

• Leading the Boise Police Department as Chief from 2022–2024
• Overseeing department-wide operations, budgets exceeding $70–80 million, and major
  divisions including Patrol, Investigations, Special Operations, Community Outreach, and Internal
  Affairs
• Commanding SWAT, Crisis Negotiation, EOD, K-9, and specialty units
• Founding the department’s Peer Support and Critical Incident Stress Management programs
• Implementing innovative mental-health response initiatives
• Strengthening community relationships through outreach, transparency, and trust-building
  programs

Chief Winegar is also a recipient of some of the highest honors in Idaho law enforcement, including the State of Idaho Medal of Honor, the Boise Police Department Medal of Valor, and the Purple Heart, awarded for heroic actions during a deadly encounter that claimed the life of a fellow officer.

His educational background includes graduation from the FBI National Academy, Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command, and Boise State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Criminal Justice Administration (cum laude).

City Manager Michael Kovacs expressed confidence in the selection, noting that Winegar’s leadership philosophy—centered on accountability, transparency, service, and organizational excellence—aligns strongly with the values of the Fate community.

“Chief Winegar brings a rare combination of operational expertise, community-centered
leadership, and deep commitment to officer wellness and public trust,” said Kovacs. “Fate is a
sophisticated and growing city, and his experience guiding a department through growth and
change makes him the ideal leader for this moment.”

Chief Winegar is ready to take on this new opportunity, especially as several members of his family have recently made Rockwall County their home. For him, joining Fate is more than a professional step — it’s a meaningful connection to the community his family now shares. Chief Winegar shared that he is truly honored to become part of the Fate community and is eager to begin working alongside residents, city leaders, and the dedicated members of the Fate Police Department.

The City of Fate will be hosting a Community Meet and Greet with Chief Winegar later this month. He is expected to assume his new role at the beginning of June.

Press release submitted by Shelbi Stofer, Public Engagement Coordinator, City of Fate.

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