At a recent Public Safety Commission meeting in Austin, members of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) were honored for their bravery and quick action in life-threatening situations. The ceremony, highlighted by the DPS, showcased the selflessness and commitment of the officers and staff, as they were presented with various awards including one Purple Heart, seven Lifesaving Awards, and one Unit Citation.
Among those recognized was Trooper Lyndon Johnson, who was awarded the Purple Heart. On June 12, 2022, Trooper Johnson sustained serious injuries in a traffic incident when his patrol vehicle was struck by an intoxicated driver on the President George Bush Turnpike. "The men and women recognized here today embody the Texas Department of Public Safety motto: courtesy, service, protection," stated DPS Director Steven McCraw, per the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Another commendation, the Lifesaving Award, was given to multiple staff members. Texas Ranger SRT Staff Sergeants Matthew Davenport, Justyn Knowlton, and Tyler Lewis were recognized for their response to a drug overdose during warrant service. They utilized multiple doses of Narcan to successfully revive an unresponsive woman. Equally, Special Agent Henry Schultz was honored for his meticulous work in the rescue of a missing juvenile in Florida, and Trooper Aaron Doyle for applying a tourniquet to save a crash victim suffering severe blood loss.
Additional recipients of the Lifesaving Award included Lieutenant Daniel Martinez, and Special Agents Benjamin Crowley and Carlos Molina, whose quick administration of Narcan and CPR saved an individual from a fentanyl overdose. Moreover, Sergeant Ted Riojas was credited for his swift action in controlling significant blood loss at a crash scene, while Trooper Alex Shelton performed the Heimlich Maneuver to save an elderly man at a restaurant. Sergeant Juan Lopez's decisive rescue of migrants from a sinking vehicle in the Rio Grande also earned him recognition for his heroism, as reported by the Texas Department of Public Safety
The DPS Pipe and Drum Corps received the Unit Citation for their dedicated participation in numerous ceremonies and funerals, adding a poignant touch to somber events. They have been balancing their solemn musical duties with regular service commitments across the state and even competing at a national level.
