In a Monday morning ceremony at the Fallen Officers’ Memorial Site at the DPS Headquarters in Austin, Freeman F. Martin took the helm as the new director of the Texas Department of Public Safety. Governed by Greg Abbott, who administered the ceremonial oath, the event marked the onset of what many anticipate to be a continuation of Martin's long-standing commitment to law enforcement within the state.
As reported by CW39 Houston, the Public Safety Commission (PSC) declared Martin as the 14th director on November 20. Martin’s career in law enforcement spans over three decades, with his first steps as a Texas Peace Officer dating back to 1990. Martin, having dedicated 34 years of service to DPS, began in the Texas Highway Patrol Division and climbed through the ranks to serve as a sergeant in the Narcotics Service in Houston and as a Texas Ranger.
According to Governor Abbott’s office, and reinforced by information obtained from KXAN, Freeman Martin is notably the first individual with a history as a Texas Ranger to assume the director position at DPS. With this new appointment, Martin succeeds Col. Steve McCraw, who stepped down from his role last Saturday thereby rendering Martin's first official day as director yesterday.
