AUSTIN – On Aug. 25, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director Steven McCraw was joined by members of the Texas Public Safety Commission (PSC), including PSC Chairman Steven P. Mach, as the department commissioned 86 men and women as the state’s newest Highway Patrol Troopers. Texas State Sen. John Whitmire was the keynote speaker during the recruit graduation ceremony, which was held in Austin.
“Be leaders in your communities in everything you do, and always be mindful of the responsibility you have to represent the State of Texas with honor and integrity,” said Sen. John Whitmire, Chair of the Senate Criminal Justice Committee. “I have every confidence you will proudly and bravely represent DPS and the State of Texas and help make Texas a safer place for all our citizens.”
The B-2017 class included 10 women, 13 former peace officers and 38 military veterans. The oldest graduate was 51-years-old and the youngest was 21-years-old. One graduate, also 51, has a son who is already a Highway Patrol Trooper. A male and a female Trooper each set records on the Concept 2 rowing machines.
“Thank you for answering the call to protect and serve this great state,” said Director McCraw. “It takes exceptional bravery and tenacity to serve on the front lines against the variety of threats that face Texas residents every day, and we are proud you are joining our ranks as the state's newest state Troopers.”
The new Troopers will report to duty stations across Texas in the coming weeks and spend the first six months in on-the-job training.
The Troopers began the 24-week training academy in March. Instruction covered more than 100 subjects, including counterterrorism, traffic and criminal law, arrest and control procedures, accident reconstruction, first aid and Spanish. They also received training in use of force, communication skills, firearms, driving, criminal interdiction, cultural diversity and physical fitness.
DPS is currently accepting applications for recruit classes scheduled for 2018. The next application deadline is Oct. 1, 2017, for the class beginning July 8, 2018. Are you up to the challenge? To apply or for more information about joining the legion of brave and outstanding officers at the Texas Department of Public Safety, visit Join DPS.
In addition, DPS schedules recruiting events throughout the year. To find an event in your region, visit Recruiting Events
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