Texas Department of Public Safety

At the recent Public Safety Commission meeting, Trooper Steven Olivares was presented a Lifesaving Award for his actions on April 16, 2024. On that day, Trooper Olivares witnessed an ambulance — with its emergency lights and sirens activated — collide with a semi-truck as the ambulance attempted to make a left turn. Trooper Olivares responded, placing his patrol unit in a position to block traffic and protect the two paramedics in the ambulance from a potential secondary crash. Trooper Olivares took swift action to check on the condition of the ambulance’s driver and passenger. The passenger had a deep laceration to her right arm and was bleeding profusely. Trooper Olivares immediately removed the tourniquet from his duty belt and applied it to her arm to stop further blood loss. Please join us today as we recognize Trooper Olivares for receiving the Lifesaving Award.

Fentanyl doesn’t discriminate. This deadly synthetic opioid is impacting communities across Texas and endangering Texans of all ages. In fact, fentanyl-related deaths reported in Texas increased 158% from 2020 to 2023. Join DPS and Gov. Greg Abbott in the fight against this clandestine killer. Now more than ever, it is important to talk to your friends, family and loved ones about the dangers of this deadly drug. We can’t do it alone, but together, we can save lives. Learn more at https://lnkd.in/g2Ad_TxA. #FentanylPoisoningAwarenessMonth #OnePillKills ??: DPS Lt. Olivarez speaking at the 2nd Annual Soles Walking 4 Souls Fentanyl Awareness Walk in San Antonio earlier this week

Join us as we recognize Trooper Paul Bickerstaff on receiving a Lifesaving Award and Rusk Co. Fire Marshal Patrick Dooley on receiving a Director’s Award for their courageous response to a life-threatening situation. On July 8, 2024, Trooper Bickerstaff responded to a call of a vehicle forced off the roadway into high water caused by Tropical Storm Beryl. When Trooper Bickerstaff arrived, members of the local fire department directed him to a female subject sitting on top of a submerged vehicle. Working together, Trooper Bickerstaff and Marshal Dooley took their swift water rescue gear, located the woman in a wooded area approximately 50 to 60 yards from the roadway and took action to reach the submerged vehicle. Once in the rushing waters, Trooper Bickerstaff held onto the vehicle while Marshal Dooley got into position downstream with an additional throw rope in the event of rescue complications. Trooper Bickerstaff grabbed hold of the female subject and then threw his rope to a nearby fireman to pull himself and the subject out of the swift water to a shallow area with the continued assistance of Marshal Dooley. Once safe, the woman was examined by EMS. Trooper Bickerstaff and Marshal Dooley’s actions saved a life that day, and we hope you'll join us in commending them on their recent recognition.

About one-third of homes with children have a firearm. Visit SafeGunStorageTexas.com to learn how you can protect your child when they visit another home. ? #safegunstorage #keepemsafetexas #safestoragesaveslives

Being active members of our communities and interacting with the people we serve is one of the most rewarding parts of our jobs. Whether at a community gathering or a youth career fair, our team is always excited to meet with our fellow Texans and spread the word about the many exciting career opportunities with DPS. Are you interested in career with DPS? Want to meet with a Recruiter? Visit JoinDPS.com today for more information, including a list of upcoming recruiting events.

Today, we’d like to recognize Trooper Billy Castro who recently received a Lifesaving Award for his quick and effective response to a life-threatening situation that resulted in the saving of a life. On July 12, 2024, Trooper Castro was dispatched to a disturbance call. Upon arrival, Trooper Castro encountered a very intoxicated female subject who had severely cut her arm and was losing a large amount of blood. Trooper Castro immediately took action to apply a tourniquet to the subject’s arm and stop the bleeding. He continued to reassure the subject and keep her calm as they waited for EMS to arrive. It was later determined that the subject had severed her artery and required surgery. #ProtectAndServe

CAPTURED: Crime Stoppers Tip Leads to Capture of Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitive in Jim Wells Co. Thanks to the work of law enforcement, Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitive Luis Alberto Becerra is back in custody following his recent arrest. Becerra, 38, was taken into custody following a traffic stop near Alice, Texas. DPS Special Agents from McAllen coordinated with Jim Wells Co. Sheriff’s Office Deputies to follow up on tip information and locate a vehicle they suspected Becerra was riding in. A Crime Stoppers reward will be paid. Read more about the arrest at https://bit.ly/4eH0DsD.

Trooper Trainees undergo comprehensive training during their time at the DPS Academy — all with the goal of providing them with the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to protect and serve Texas as Troopers. Check out today’s video for a look at Class B-2024 and their recent firearms training at our Tactical Training Facility. #LawEnforcement #Training

ICYMI: The state’s Vehicle Safety Inspection Program is changing. With these changes, comprehensive vehicle safety inspections will be eliminated for all non-commercial vehicles. However, Texans whose vehicles are registered in emissions counties will still be required to have emissions tests. Emissions tests are required in major metropolitan areas; find a full list of counties impacted at https://bit.ly/3XwDYZG. #VehicleSafetyInspectionProgram #Texas

Please join us in recognizing Staff Sergeant Mina Gadelkarim (Texas Rangers Special Operations Group) on receiving a Director’s Citation at last week’s Public Safety Commission (PSC) Meeting. Gadelkarim received this award for his steadfast response during a life-threatening hostage situation in January 2022. Gadelkarim's actions saved the life of the female hostage that day. The woman who was held hostage attended last week's PSC meeting with her family to personally thank Staff Sergeant Gadelkarim. Read more about Gadelkarim and his actions at https://bit.ly/4dNAE18.