The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) commissioned 76 new Texas Highway Patrol Troopers from recruit class B-2022 during a graduation ceremony on Friday, May 6. The keynote speaker at the graduation was Russell S. Molina, the Director of the Texas Ranger Bicentennial.
“Working with the leadership of DPS and the Rangers the last few years on the Texas Ranger Bicentennial has been a wonderful experience for me,” said Russell S. Molina. “To now have the opportunity to speak to the next group of leaders is a humbling opportunity. I look forward to the positive impact they too will have on this state.”
The ceremony was held at Great Hills Baptist Church in Austin. This was the department’s 170th recruit class, with trooper trainees ranging in age from 21 to 52 years of old.
“Courtesy, service and protection will now be the words you’re asked to live by,” said Public Safety Commissioner Dale Wainwright. “You will be asked to exhibit these attributes time and again – it will be demanded of you. So, you must always remember what it is you have sworn to defend, as you are the ones chosen to wear the Texas Tan.”
This year’s recruit class included 26 military veterans and 20 recruits with prior law enforcement experience. Of the 76 graduates, eight come from other states and 28 speak more than one language.
“Members of Class B-2022 have put themselves to the test physically and mentally over the last 28 weeks, and today their hard work pays off,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “We welcome them to the DPS family and look forward to how each will contribute to making Texas a safer place to call home.”
The recruits underwent a 28-week training academy to graduate. During the course of the academy two recruits welcomed children to their families.
The newly commissioned Troopers will report to their individual duty stations on December 11.
You can view more photos today’s graduation ceremony on the DPS Facebook page.