Leadership Shakeup at Texas Department of Public Safety Following Retirement of Lieutenant Colonel

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has shaken up its leadership lineup, following the retirement of a top official. After over three decades of service, Lieutenant Colonel Dwight Mathis has hung up his badge, triggering a series of promotions within the organization.

Mathis, whose career with DPS spanned over 35 years, had ascended the ranks from a trooper in Bay City to Deputy Director of Law Enforcement Operations. According to a statement from DPS Director Steven McCraw, "For more than three decades, Lt. Col. Mathis has committed his life to the people of Texas." McCraw acknowledged the significance of Mathis' contribution, asserting, "It has been an honor to work alongside him."

Public Safety Commission gave the nod to several key promotions during their Feb. 15 meeting. With Mathis' departure, Jason Taylor, formerly the Chief of the Texas Rangers, steps into the Deputy Director of Law Enforcement Operations role. Scotty Shiver, previously Regional Director for the Capitol Region, has been tapped as the new Chief of the Texas Rangers, passing the Regional Director baton to Gabriel Ortiz, who was promoted from Major in the Criminal Investigations Division (CID).

Taylor has been with the DPS since 1998 and brought a slew of experience to his new position, overseeing divisions such as the Criminal Investigations, Texas Highway Patrol, and the Texas Rangers. His resume is studded with commendations, including the DPS Regional Commander’s Award and a Ranger Company Commander’s Award. On the other hand, Shiver, a DPS veteran since 1995, steps into his role as Chief with a background in law enforcement divisions and strategic operations. Shiver earned a Master of Arts in Security Management and is lauded for over two decades of marriage and family life. Gabriel Ortiz, also making strides in his career, began with DPS in 1999 and carries experience in various facets of law enforcement, such as organized crime and leadership training. As the new Regional Director for the Capitol Region, Ortiz continues to chase academic excellence, working toward an Executive Master of Public Service and Administration degree at the Bush School of Government and Public Service.

These promotions, now in effect, hint at a fresh chapter for the Texas Department of Public Safety, with a bolstered leadership team at the helm ready to navigate the law enforcement challenges that lie ahead in The Lone Star State.