AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) commissioned 45 new Texas Highway Patrol Troopers from recruit class A-2022 during a graduation ceremony on Friday, August 26. The department was honored to have Texas Governor Greg Abbott give the keynote address.
“Each member of A-2022 has trained extremely hard and pushed themselves to the limits to get here today,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “The department is proud to welcome them to the DPS family and I know they will go on to do great things in service of our great state.”
The ceremony was held at Great Hills Baptist Church in Austin. This was the department’s 169th recruit class, with trooper trainees ranging in age from 21 to 54 years old.
“We honor the hard work each of you have put in to get to this moment, and we celebrate alongside your friends and family members,” said PSC Chairman Steven P. Mach. “You have made a commitment to protect and serve the people of this great state. You are the first line of defense, and we thank you for your willingness to join the Texas Highway Patrol.”
The recruits underwent a 28-week training academy to graduate, which tested them mentally and physically. This year’s recruit class included 17 military veterans and 13 recruits with prior law enforcement experience.
Of the 45 graduates, 11 come from other states and 13 speak more than one language. During the academy, one trooper trainee welcomed a child to their family and one trainee got married.
The newly commissioned Troopers will report to their individual duty stations on September 18.
You can view more photos today’s graduation ceremony on the DPS Facebook page.
### (HQ 2022-057)