AUSTIN - Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director Steven McCraw today was joined by members of the Texas Public Safety Commission (PSC) as the department commissioned 80 men and women as the state’s newest Highway Patrol Troopers. The graduation ceremony was held in Austin.
“It takes a special kind of person to willingly sacrifice their safety in order to protect others from danger. It is that courage – that dedication – that makes us extremely proud of and fortunate for your service,” said PSC Chairman Steven P. Mach. “We believe in you, and are confident in your abilities to serve and protect Texas.”
The A-2018 class, which is the department’s 163rd recruit school, includes eight women, 16 former peace officers and 26 military veterans. The oldest graduate is 49-years-old and the youngest is 21-years-old. Eleven of the recruits moved to Texas to join the Academy. This is the first recruit class to receive specialized training that will enable them to teach the public about active-shooter events. This class is also the first to receive swift water rescue training. Both of these courses will be part of the DPS Training Academy curriculum moving forward.
“Our state is a safer place today, because these 80 brave men and women answered the call to serve and protect Texas,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “The A-2018 class is joining an elite group of law enforcement professionals, and they have a great responsibility and opportunity before them as they begin their careers as Texas State Troopers. We are proud of each of them and glad to welcome this class to the DPS family.”
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 25-week training academy in January. 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.
Are you up to the challenge? Be the difference. For more information about joining the legion of brave officers at the Texas Department of Public Safety, visit www.joindps.com.
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