Last updated on June 30, 2026
The City of Fate officially introduced its new police chief at a meet-and-greet with the community at Fate City Hall.
Recently relocated from Idaho, Ron Winegar is coming out of retirement to serve the Fate community. Winegar spent 29 years with the Boise Police Department before retiring in 2024.
After being retired for nearly two years, Winegar’s eldest daughter was searching for houses in Fate when he received an email with a job opening for chief.
“I just thought, that’s a real coincidence,” Winegar said. “It’s an opportunity I can’t pass up.”
For the past dozen years, his daughter and her family have lived in a different city from Winegar and his wife. Taking the position in Fate means he can be closer to her and his grandchildren.
“My biggest takeaway so far is that people are people, no matter where they live—whether it’s Texas, Idaho, or anywhere else in this country,” Winegar said. “Most people share the same core values: they want safe neighborhoods, opportunities for their families, and a strong sense of community.”
The Fate Police Department is significantly smaller than Boise, and Winegar expressed that he is excited to interact with the community and get to know the staff personally and professionally.
“Trust is not built overnight, it requires consistent effort, meaningful engagement, and a shared commitment from both law enforcement and the community,” Winegar said.
He hopes the smaller agency will foster genuine, collaborative connections with his staff and bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community.
“I want our community to remember that behind every badge is a human being,” Winegar said. “Our officers are called to respond to difficult, stressful, and often traumatic situations, yet they remain committed to serving others with professionalism and compassion.”
As Fate continues to experience rapid residential and commercial expansion, the department must proactively prepare for demands that come with a growing city.
“Our priority will remain providing safety and security for residents and visitors while proactively planning for future needs,” Winegar said. “As commercial development accelerates, we must anticipate the additional calls for service that come with it and ensure we have the personnel, equipment, and training in place to meet those demands.”
Despite these challenges, Winegar expressed confidence in the foundation the department has already built.
“Building a strong public safety workforce takes time, but I am confident in our team,” Winegar said. “From what I’ve seen, they are prepared, committed, and ready to meet the challenges ahead, positioning us well for the future.”
The meet-and-greet concluded with family, friends, staff and members of the community giving him a warm welcome.
“Lastly, I will leave you with my strong belief that policing, as a profession, if done right, is one of the most noble things one can do with his or her life,” Winegar said. “I am excited to continue my service in policing here in Fate and hope to have a positive impact on those I serve, as well as those I serve with in the Fate Police Department.”
