The Texas Department of Public Safety's (DPS) Fitness Wellness Unit (FWU) has been honored with the 2024 Officer Wellness Award by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. Recognized for their significant efforts to uphold the physical, mental, and overall health of DPS personnel, the award highlights the importance placed on officer wellness within the department, according to a recent announcement on the DPS official website.
At the Destination Zero National Officer Safety and Wellness Awards in Washington D.C., DPS Director Steven McCraw underscored the significance of their employees' health, "The physical and mental health of our employees—commissioned and non-commissioned—is imperative to DPS’ mission to serve and protect Texas." He attributed the FWU's adherence to the well-being of their personnel as a driving factor behind receiving the accolade. The award celebrates law enforcement agencies that have made strides in lifting officers’ wellness, with a push on stress reduction, fitness and the promotion of healthier lifestyles, as detailed by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
The FWU falls under the purview of the Training Operations Division, performing several key functions. Not only does it handle the mental and physical conditioning for Trooper Trainees at the DPS academy, but it also performs necessary physical fitness tests for commissioned troopers and aids all personnel with fitness, nutrition, sleep, stress management, among other health-related issues.
Since its establishment in 2010, the FWU has seen its presence and demand expanding. Comprised of a six-person team the unit not only orchestrates educational wellness events at DPS but also shares best practices with agencies across Texas, and surrounding states. Moreover, the team teaches multiple group exercise classes daily at the DPS Headquarters and the State Capitol Complex.
