Fate hires new police chief amid public safety reorganization

Fate has named Ron Winegar as its new police chief as the city splits its Department of Public Safety into separate police and fire departments. The move gives the fast-growing Rockwall County city a permanent law-enforcement leader after Ryan Ragan had been overseeing police operations.

A June 15, 2026, Fate City Council agenda included an “Introduction of new” presentation item, showing the appointment was being formally brought before council. The recruitment posting for the job described the chief as an experienced, “exceptional and visionary leader” who could guide a growing department, strengthen community relationships, and work within a Council-Manager government. The posting listed an annual salary range of $146,839 to $172,752 DOE/DOQ.

Fate’s own police recruiting page says the department’s minimum qualifications include TCOLE certification, and out-of-state applicants must obtain Texas certification. That makes the hire more than a ceremonial change in title. It is part of the city’s effort to build a standalone police command structure with the staff, certification, and leadership needed to run a separate department.

The timing matters because Fate’s growth has changed the scale of the job. The city’s 2024 demographic profile estimated a population of 27,800, while U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts lists 17,981 residents, a spread that reflects how sharply the community has expanded. In a city that has grown that quickly, the chief’s priorities will shape patrol visibility, staffing, recruitment, and how residents judge the department’s day-to-day presence in neighborhoods and business corridors.

The leadership change also follows a period of turnover. The city had separated police and fire functions after operating under a combined Department of Public Safety, and Lyle Lombard was no longer with the department after about seven and a half years. With Winegar now identified as chief, Fate is moving to put a named leader at the top of its police operation instead of relying on temporary oversight.

The council’s June 15 agenda also included a Rockwall County Historical Foundation plaque presentation for the America 250 celebration, underscoring how much was on the city’s docket as it reorganized public safety. Fate’s 2026 elections page also shows special elections scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026, adding another layer to a busy municipal calendar. For residents, the police chief hire is the clearest signal yet of how Fate intends to manage growth, keep the department visible, and rebuild public trust through a permanent command structure.