The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) recently held a ceremony to honor Director Steven C. McCraw who is set to retire later this year. In recognition of his 15 years of service and influence over the agency, the DPS will name their new training facility the Steven C. McCraw Law Enforcement Academy and Training Center. This announcement came during McCraw's final Public Safety Commission (PSC) meeting, according to a report from the DPS.
Steven P. Mach, Chair of the PSC, adopted a resolution at DPS headquarters in Austin, stating to the DPS, "In the last 15 years of his career, Steven McCraw has made an extraordinary and everlasting impact on the Texas Department of Public Safety." As McCraw prepares to step down, the academy set to break ground this winter will carry his legacy forward. The funding for the facility was appropriated by the 88th Texas Legislature, with plans to house up to 560 recruits and feature a variety of training facilities.
Currently, DPS' training division is split between two locations, a logistical challenge that requires hour-long bus rides for recruits. The completion of the Steven C. McCraw training center will consolidate the DPS Training Operations Division, streamlining the training process and enhancing the overall quality of instruction, as detailed in a statement DPS released.
The tributes to McCraw went beyond physical buildings, with Governor Greg Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick both presenting proclamations thanking him for his transformative leadership. Further, an honorary Texas Ranger Captain distinction was bestowed upon him—a salute to his service and commitment to Texas. The Texas State Troopers Association also awarded McCraw with its annual "The Blue Shield" for its unfaltering commitment and education in defense of law enforcement.
As stated in the DPS news release, McCraw had previously announced his retirement plans in August, continuing in his role until a successor is named. The full resolution from the PSC, along with the Governor's and Lieutenant Governor's proclamations, and information on the honorary Ranger title, can be viewed by the public on the DPS official website, where photographs from the event are also available.
