AUSTIN – On Friday, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) welcomed 51 new Texas Highway Patrol Troopers from Recruit Class A-2026 during a graduation ceremony at Hill Country Bible Church in Cedar Park. This is the department’s 182nd graduating class.
The keynote speaker was Texas State Representative Cole Hefner, who currently serves as the Chair of the Homeland Security, Public Safety & Veterans’ Affairs Committee in the Texas House. He has been a member of the DPS family for several years, having a brother who proudly graduated from DPS Training Academy.
“It is an honor to be today’s keynote speaker as we welcome Class A-2026 to the ranks of the Texas Highway Patrol,” said Chairman Hefner. “As the brother of a current Texas State Trooper, I am very familiar with all the sacrifices you have made – and will continue to make – as you protect and serve your fellow Texans. This department has a storied legacy, and I am confident that each of these graduates will carry on the honor, excellence and integrity that comes with the Texas tan each time they put on the badge.”
Also in attendance were members of the Public Safety Commission, including Chairman Steven P. Mach and Commissioners Nelda Luce Blair and Steven H. Stodghill. DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin, Lt. Colonel Jason Taylor and other DPS leadership were also present to congratulate Class A-2026 and officially welcome them to the department.
“Being a Texas State Trooper is more than wearing the badge — it is a commitment to serve with integrity, courage and dedication, no matter the circumstances,” said Colonel Freeman F. Martin. “These new Troopers will work many long nights that often turn into early mornings, making sacrifices to protect and serve the people of Texas. As they begin this important chapter, I am proud to welcome them to the DPS family, and I pray that God will watch over and protect them as they go out each day to serve this great state.”
About the DPS Training Academy
During the 30-week in-resident Training Academy, Recruits receive more than 1,204 hours of instruction. The comprehensive training is taught by experts on various topics, including criminal and traffic law enforcement, crash investigation, crisis intervention, use of force, criminal investigations, communications, cultural diversity, fitness and wellness and emergency medical assistance.
Recruits also receive components of the Tactical Emergency Casualty Care training to include trauma assessment, bleeding control and treatment of shock. The training prepares them to work as a Highway Patrol Trooper anywhere in the state, including in remote areas and extreme terrains.
Recruits conclude their rigorous training with the Field Training Exercise (FTX) – a culmination of scenarios and training events that simulate a potential day in the life of a Highway Patrol Trooper. Utilizing the skills and knowledge obtained throughout the Training Academy, Recruits participate in approximately 25 scenarios ranging from vehicle pursuits to compliant driver traffic stops.
Earlier this week, Class A-2026 participated in the traditional Legacy Run. The five-mile run departed early Wednesday morning from DPS headquarters and ended at the Texas State Capitol. DPS first implemented the run, which was originally an eight-mile route, in 2008 to mark the completion of the Training Academy. DPS Recruits are accompanied by their instructors, members of DPS leadership and oftentimes DPS retirees.
Here are some other class highlights:
- 39 males, 12 females
- Ages ranging from 21 to 58
- 20 military veterans (Army, Marines, Air Force)
- 23 speak more than one language
The newly commissioned Troopers will report to their duty stations across Texas on Sept. 29.
You can view today’s graduation ceremony on the DPS YouTube page.
See additional photos from the graduation of Class A-2026 here.
Article source and photo credit: Texas Department of Public Safety
