The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the organization responsible for the welfare and oversight of drivers in Texas, recently recognized its troopers and agents for their heroic efforts at a Public Safety Commission (PSC) meeting. Many were acknowledged by DPS Director Steven McCraw.

"These awards are a reminder of the tremendous work that takes place throughout this department every day," said McCraw. "We are grateful for the men and women who put others’ wellbeing before their own – many times in order to save lives, and it’s wonderful to be able to personally thank them."

As reported by Brownwood News, several individuals received the Lifesaving Award at the PSC event. Among these recipients was Trooper Jose Gonzalez, who was recognized for saving an unresponsive baby's life. Special Agent Alston also received this award for his quick thinking that saved children's lives. Troopers Glaze and Hazel were among others honored with this award for their acts of heroism.

MyParisTexas reports that multiple individuals were presented with the Director's Award. Nathaniel Kummerford, Daniel Fridon, Justin Major, Josh Mathews, and Joseph Valero all received this honor due to their work on the Criminal Investigations Division which led to identifying at least 25 criminals. Another team was awarded a Director's Award for their response to a crash. Trooper Steavan Creader, William Allday, Jordan Pulliam, and Brittany Nguygen were recipients of this award thanks to their life-saving actions at the crash site.

According to Focus Daily News, Lieutenant Kevin King and Captain Steven Tellez were among those who received the Director's Citation award. They earned this recognition due to their response to recent shootings in Uvalde. In response to these incidents, King and Tellez became ambassadors of a school safety initiative which aimed at creating safer surroundings for schools through increased visibility and accessibility.