The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announced a series of key leadership changes in a public meeting on Thursday, August 22. These shifts in high-ranking positions come as a result of retirements and the creation of new roles within various divisions. Several seasoned veterans are set to depart from their roles, leaving behind legacies of extensive service.
Among those who are retiring is Victor Escalon, the Regional Director of the South Texas Region, who began his service with DPS in 1994. After a comprehensive career that included stints as a Narcotics Investigator and Texas Ranger Major, Escalon climbed the ranks to Regional Director in 2019. According to the official DPS announcement, "The Texas Department of Public Safety would not be the law enforcement agency it is today without the decades of leadership from Victor Escalon, Michelle Farris and Bryan Lane, and I thank them for their expertise, commitment and dedicated service to the people of Texas," DPS Director Steven McCraw said.
Also retiring, Michelle Farris steps down as Chief of the Crime Records Division, a role she stepped into after a long history with DPS, having started as a Public Safety Records Technician in 1996. Bryan Lane, the outgoing Chief Information Officer, leaves the IT department after bringing over two decades of experience, including impactful work with start-up companies before his tenure at DPS.
Starting September 1, the department is set to welcome new leaders, including Jessica Ballew, the current Chief of the Innovation and Data Office. She is to become the new Chief of Information Technology as IDO dissolves into the IT Division. Arturo Dela Garza is another notable promotion, stepping up to fill Escalon's position as Regional Director of the South Texas Region. Dela Garza has been with DPS since 1995, notably serving as a Regional Commander and Major in Weslaco. Additions to the leadership also include Matt Hicks as Chief of the Crime Records Division, Kyle Matheson as Assistant Chief of the Criminal Investigations Division, Chris Sims as Assistant Chief of the Finance Division, Loann Garcia as Assistant Chief of the Crime Records Division, and Frances Gomez as Assistant Chief of the Driver License Division. The promotional moves were approved by the Public Safety Commission and are a testament to the high-caliber professionals within DPS ready to lead.
The changes come at a time of transition for the department, which has seen advancements in crime records technology and innovation in law enforcement strategies. As DPS looks toward the future, the experience and leadership of the newly promoted individuals seem poised to uphold the department's quest for excellence in public safety. DPS extended congratulations to all for their hard work and dedication to the people of Texas, with these changes taking effect on September 1, as reported by the department.
