DPS Has 102 New Texas State Trooper Graduates

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) commissioned 102 men and women as the state’s newest Highway Patrol Troopers during the recruit graduation ceremony. Governor Greg Abott was the keynote speaker during the ceremony held in Austin, stated a press release Friday.

“DPS Troopers are part of a select group of officers with a proud history in Texas,” said Governor Abbott. “The troopers will leave here today with the opportunity to write a new chapter in the history of public service for the citizens of our state, and an opportunity to leave marks that will make a difference for generations to come. All of Texas joins me in thanking today’s graduates and their families for their service and their sacrifice in keeping Texas safe.”

The press release stated that 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.

“Each of you has worked tirelessly during the past six months—shaping and molding yourselves to earn the title of Texas Highway Patrol Troopers, and I want to congratulate you on your outstanding accomplishments while at the DPS Academy,” said Cynthia Leon, public safety commission chair. “Today you have rightfully been given the tremendous honor and responsibility of serving the residents of this great state, and I am proud to welcome you into the DPS family.”

The troopers engaged in a 23-week training academy that started in July, and 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.

As part of the recruits’ community service project, the graduates raised more than $11,000 for a variety of efforts, including an elementary school and assisting DPS families in need.

DPS officials stated they are currently accepting applications for recruit classes scheduled for 2016. The next application deadline is Jan. 27 for the class beginning July 10, 2016. To apply, or for more information about joining DPS, visit www.joindps.com. Also, DPS schedules recruiting events throughout the year. Visit http://dps.texas.gov/trainingacademy/recruiting/recruitingEvents.htm# to find an event in the West Texas region.