Statement by DPS Director McCraw on the Passing of Former Director Dudley Thomas

March 2, 2015

AUSTIN – Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director Steven McCraw today issued the following statement regarding the passing of former DPS Director Dudley Thomas, 76, who died today in Webster, Texas:

“On behalf of the entire department, our hearts and prayers go out to the Thomas family for their tremendous loss. Col. Dudley Thomas proudly served the department for four decades, ultimately being named the agency’s director. We are forever grateful for his outstanding leadership and commitment to protecting and serving Texans. His legacy of service and dedication to this great state will be remembered for years to come.”

Thomas, a resident of Pittsburg, Texas, served as DPS’ ninth director from 1996 to 2000. He was a native of Marshall, Texas, and began his career with DPS as a recruit in 1960. He subsequently rose through the ranks, serving in multiple positions in cities across the state, before retiring as the director in 2000.

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