The Texas Department of Public Safety has found its new leader in Senior Deputy Director Freeman F. Martin, who will become the department’s fourteenth Director. Announced by the DPS, Martin, a seasoned veteran of law enforcement and the first Texas Ranger in history to take the helm, is set to assume his new role following the retirement of current Director Steven C. McCraw. In an official statement released by DPS, McCraw will step down on November 30, capping a 15-year tenure.
Following a selection process initiated by McCraw's announcement on August 23 and the establishment of a vetting subcommittee by the Public Safety Commission (PSC), Martin was unanimously chosen for the top job. "With a wealth of experience in law enforcement and a strong commitment to uphold the rule of law, Freeman Martin is the right choice to lead the Texas Department of Public Safety and will be instrumental to ensure the safety and security of Texans," Governor Greg Abbott expressed in the DPS release. The PSC, including Chairman Steven P. Mach, heaped praise on Martin's unparalleled familiarity with the department and dedication to service.
"Growing up as one of 13 kids in New Deal – I never could have imagined this day," Martin shared his sentiment on the appointment, his Texas roots running as deep as his commitment to the core values upheld by the agency. His journey with DPS began in 1990 as a Highway Patrol Trooper and since has seen him rise through various ranks and take on critical roles. Notably, as the Senior Deputy Director, Martin has significantly impacted the department with his involvement in a spectrum of operations spanning crisis management, crime prevention, and homeland security efforts according to the DPS announcement.
Among Martin's notable achievements while at DPS are the establishment of the Texas Anti-Gang Center in San Antonio and his leadership during events such as the Sutherland Springs mass shooting and Hurricane Harvey. His official swearing-in ceremony is slated for December 2 at DPS headquarters in Austin, when Martin will formally take over directorial duties. As McCraw prepares for retirement, the legacy of his 15-year leadership will be handed off to a successor who has dedicated over three decades to Texas law enforcement and its evolving challenges.
The roots of Texas DPS trace back to the formation of the storied Texas Rangers in 1823, and today the department boasts a workforce exceeding 11,000 and manages a biennial budget well over $2 billion. Their expansive mission to protect and serve the citizens of Texas is set to continue under Martin's watchful eye, drawing on his extensive experience and the traditions of an agency embedded in the very fabric of Texan history.
