Darrell Fant

Darrell L. Fant began his service to the Town of Highland Park in 1975.  Director Fant, commonly referred to as "Chief Fant", started his employment with the Town as a police officer and soon after crossed trained as firefighter and paramedic.  Fant was promoted to several levels of supervision until he was selected as Director of Public Safety in 1987.  As Director, Darrell Fant had the responsibility for the overall direction and focus of the consolidated police, fire and emergency medical services of the Town's Department of Public Safety staffed by 70 employees.

Darrell Fant attended Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice in 1974.  He graduated from the FBI National Academy in 1989 in Quantico, Virginia and has trained with the U.S. Secret Service in the area of dignitary protection.  He currently holds his Master Police and Fire Certifications from the State of Texas, Police and Fire Instructor Certifications, and was licensed as a paramedic in 1977.  In 2005, Darrell Fant was certified for basic and advanced mediations and is qualified for court appointed dispute mediations.  He is also a member of the State Bar of Texas, Alternative Dispute Resolution Section.

Chief Fant was distinguished with a National Heroism Award in 1984 by Firehouse Magazine for heroism in the line of duty.  Additionally, he has been decorated with numerous Departmental awards and citizen commendations during his career.

Darrell Fant received the 1999 Trailblazer’s Award from Mother’s Against Drunk Driving (MADD) for outstanding contributions in the enforcement of underage drinking.   Additionally, in 2002, Fant received the Bert Ford Commendation from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission for enforcement of the alcoholic beverage laws in the State of Texas. In 2007, Darrell Fant received The Director’s Community Leadership Award from the Federal Bureau of Investigation for outstanding contributions to our nation’s communities in the area of underage drinking.

Chief Fant served as the 2001 President of the FBI National Academy Association of Texas and currently serves as the State Chapter Historian.  Additionally, he has served on the executive board of the North Texas Police Chiefs Association from 2004 through 2007 and currently serves on the Executive Board of that origination as the meeting coordinator.  

Darrell Fant honorably retired from the Highland Park Dept of Public Safety in February 2008, with over 32 years of dedicated service.  He has previously served as President of the International Police Association, Texas Region 30, and is an active law enforcement consultant with law enforcement agencies across the country.  In June of 2008, Darrell Fant was appointed to the Board of Directors for the North Texas Crime Commission and served as Chairman of the Law Enforcement Training Committee of that organization for over 8 years.  

In August of 2010, Darrell Fant opened Sierra Delta, LLC a State of Texas licensed Class C private security and investigations company, conducting private investigations, executive security, and security consulting throughout the country.  In January of 2013, Fant was appointed to the North Texas InfraGard board of directors and served as the 2018 President North Texas Members Alliance.  Darrell Fant is also certified in Texas as a License to Carry (LTC) Instructor and an NRA Certified Pistol Instructor.