In an October gathering marked by gratitude and commendation, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) celebrated the valor and decisive actions of several members of law enforcement and the community at the Public Safety Commission (PSC) meeting. As reported by the DPS, Director Steven McCraw, alongside PSC Commissioners, distributed awards acknowledging bravery in instances that tested the resolve and skill of these dedicated individuals.
Among the honored was Staff Sergeant Mina Gadelkarim of McAllen, who received the Director’s Citation for terminating a threatening hostage situation on Jan. 23, 2022. According to the DPS report, Gadelkarim, a SWAT precision marksman, diffused the situation by firing a shot that neutralized the suspect thus saving the victim's life, which that stood as a testament to his sharp judgment under pressure. The female hostage, embodying resilience, also made a personal appearance at the event to express her gratitude towards Staff Sergeant Gadelkarim.
At the July meeting for an act of outstanding bravery from July 8, Trooper Paul Bickerstaff and Rusk County Fire Marshal Patrick Dooley teamed up to save a woman trapped on a submerged vehicle amidst the high waters caused by Tropical Storm Beryl. The collaborative rescue effort, with Bickerstaff securing the woman and Dooley providing a critical safety backup, earned Bickerstaff the Lifesaving Award while Dooley took home the Director's Award, "Their commitment to public safety and service exemplifies the highest standard of excellence," McCraw honored the heroes during the meeting, as detailed by the DPS.
Saving lives in precarious circumstances was a recurring dedication observed in Trooper Billy Castro's actions in Weesatche, Texas; he swiftly applied a crucial tourniquet to a woman with a severe arm injury, thus earning him the Lifesaving Award and Trooper Armando Hernandez Jr.'s quick thinking to control a man's bleeding from a compound fracture after a vehicle crash and acting as a translator for EMS, showcased the essential combination of knowledge and compassion in law enforcement which is why he was awarded with the Lifesaving Award as well.
Furthermore, Trooper Steven Olivares exhibited a composed response after a collision between an ambulance and a semi-truck, questioning the driver's condition before attending to the co-driver who had sustained a severe arm laceration with his timely assistance came in the form of a lifesaving tourniquet application that secured him a Lifesaving Award; Equally swift was Corporal Brandon Tidmore, who utilized a precise throw bag toss to rescue a woman from the grips of a strong river current in El Paso.
The PSC meeting also shone a light on the DPS Honor Guard and Drill Team's impressive achievements on a national stage. Outperforming at the Steve Young Honor Guard Tribute & Exhibition during Police Week in Washington, DC, the team earned a first place in 2023 and third place the following year attributing to their relentless drill routine of precision, discipline, and originality. Lieutenant Wade Schooley and his fellow team members were recognized with a Unit Citation for their dedication, as stated by the DPS.
