Dallas has a new police chief: Daniel Comeaux, who has been appointed as the next Chief of Police of the Dallas Police Department, effective Wednesday, April 23.

Comeaux is a 33-year law enforcement veteran, currently serving as Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the Drug Enforcement Agency’s Houston Field Division, overseeing 12 offices throughout Texas, including Houston, San Antonio, and Austin.

He was one of five finalists, following a nationwide search to replace former Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia who left in September for a role as assistant city manager in Austin under Dallas' former city manager, T.C. Broadnax.

Interim Dallas Police Chief Michael T. Igo was appointed to the position in October following Garcia’s retirement, and was also a finalist for the position.

In a statement, Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert — who herself was promoted from within — gave thanks to Igo "for his longstanding service to the Dallas Police Department, and his willingness to lead during this time of transition."

Comeaux's appointment comes one day after the appointment of Justin Ball as new Chief of Dallas Fire-Rescue (DFR), also effective April 23. Ball was also promoted from within.

Comeaux is a native of New Orleans who began his career in 1991 with the Houston Police Department, specializing in community policing, narcotics enforcement, and high-risk investigations. In 1997, he transitioned to the DEA, where he led major operations in Houston, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, targeting violent crime and drug trafficking. The release says that his strategies resulted in significant crime reduction, including a 40 perecent decrease in overdose deaths in Laredo, Texas; and that his leadership has focused on intelligence-driven crime reduction, operational efficiency, interagency collaboration, and officer development.

“I joined the police force because I witnessed what can happen to neighborhoods that aren’t safe," Comeaux said in a statement. "At the federal level, I am known as the local cop because of my collaborative approach to tackling crime and my dedication to developing leaders in public safety who are bridge builders for the community. I am proud that my career in law enforcement has come full circle and look forward to serving alongside the men and women of the Dallas Police Department."