The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director Steven McCraw today was joined by Texas State Representative Mark Keough as the department commissioned 48 men and women as the state’s newest Highway Patrol Troopers. This is the third advanced school offered specifically for peace officers in the department’s history. Representative Keough was the keynote speaker during the recruit graduation ceremony, which was held today in Austin.

“We applaud you taking on a new challenge in your law enforcement careers as Texas Highway Patrol Troopers,” said Representative Keough, who serves as vice chair of the International Trade & Intergovernmental Affairs Committee. “You have courageously answered the call to serve – not once, but twice – and you have our respect and thanks for your continued sacrifice. You will each play an integral role in protecting the communities you serve and the great state of Texas.”

This 11-week advanced recruit school was specifically designed for current and eligible law enforcement officers to train to become troopers. This school provided officers an accelerated path to becoming a Trooper versus the standard course that spans more than 20 weeks.

“This is an impressive gathering of men and women with law enforcement experience from a wide cross section of agencies,” said Director McCraw. “The expertise and training you received as peace officers before joining this department will make you valuable members of the Department of Public Safety. We are grateful for your continued dedication and commitment to protecting the people of this great state.”

The C-2017 class includes four women and six military veterans, and the graduates represented 39 different law enforcement agencies. The oldest graduate is 46-years-old and the youngest is 25-years-old. One recruit completed his master’s degree in criminal justice while attending recruit school and will receive his degree Saturday.

The troopers began the 11-week training academy in May. Instruction included 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.

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.

As part of this class’ community projects, recruits donated school supplies to a local elementary, and donated cash and food items to a local food pantry.

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 www.joindps.com.