The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) commissioned 79 new Texas Highway Patrol Troopers from recruit class C-2023 during a graduation ceremony on Friday, Dec. 8, which was held at Great Hills Baptist Church in Austin.
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick gave the keynote address.
“It is always a great honor to speak at the Trooper Academy Graduation,” said Lt. Gov. Patrick. “I have done so several times in the past. These men and women are joining what I believe is the best state police in the country. We owe them so much for what they do for us every day. As Lt. Governor, I have consistently pledged my unwavering support to the brave Texans in law enforcement who put their lives on the line to protect our great state. The Department of Public Safety is essential in maintaining the safety and security of our communities, and I am proud to stand with them in their commitment to upholding the law and safeguarding the rights of every Texan.”
Class C-2023 is an Advanced Peace Officer School which means each of the recruits has prior law enforcement experience. 85 Trooper Trainees were selected to take part in what is the department’s 174th class. The 14-week school began on September 5, and of the 85 that began, only 79 successfully completed the school to graduate.
“We are honored that these 79 men and women have chosen to continue to serve as members of the Texas Highway Patrol,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “I know they will be tremendous assets to the department and help protect and serve the great people of the State of Texas.”
During the 14-week in-resident Academy, Trooper Trainees receive more than 430 hours of instruction. The comprehensive training comes from 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.
In addition to the required medical objectives, Trooper Trainees 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.
Trooper Trainees conclude their rigorous training with a Joint Field Training Exercise, culminating scenarios and training events that simulate a potential day in the life of a Texas State Trooper. Trooper Trainees utilize skills and knowledge obtained throughout the academy and participate in approximately 25 scenarios utilizing inert training weapons ranging from vehicle pursuits to compliant driver traffic stops. It finishes with a Legacy Run to the State Capitol Peace Officer Memorial where they participate in a patch ceremony.
Here are some other class highlights:
- 65 males and 14 females
- Recruits range in age from 23 to 52
- 18 military veterans
- Eight recruits came from outside of Texas
- 30 speak more than one language
- One recruit speaks four languages
Class C-2023 also includes a set of siblings and a married couple. The newly commissioned Troopers will report to their individual duty stations across Texas on Jan. 31.
