The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has announced that three of its Safety Education Service Sergeants received awards at a national competition held in Kansas City, Missouri last month. The five-day workshop and competition, which occurred from June 23-27, provided public safety education training to state police officers nationwide.
Several DPS Safety Education Lieutenants and Sergeants participated in this year's event, known as the Uniformed Safety Education Officers Workshop (USEOW), presenting on various public safety issues. DPS Sergeants Kyle Bradford and Ethan Sartor, both from the North Texas Region, each secured first place in their respective categories for traffic safety and public safety. Additionally, Sergeant Guadalupe Casarez from the South Texas Region achieved first place for his television public service announcement (PSA) on The Move Over Law and third place for his radio PSA on Fentanyl Awareness.
"Public safety education and educating members of the communities we serve is integral to the Texas Department of Public Safety’s mission to protect and serve this state," said DPS Director Steven McCraw. "Our goal is to equip our Troopers with the training they need in order to communicate clearly and concisely on a variety of issues that affect everyone’s public safety."
The USEOW aims to protect people, life, and property by educating the public on numerous safety issues. As officers attended USEOW, they were given opportunities to present on various topics, enhancing their ability to communicate public safety concerns effectively to citizens. The training these Troopers receive supports DPS' mission to ensure the safety of Texans.
Trained in media relations and public speaking, Lieutenants and Sergeants are tasked with educating the public and serving as Public Information Officers regarding public safety in Texas. These officers also regularly offer presentations to schools and community organizations on drug use prevention, traffic safety, underage drinking, child passenger safety, and other educational programs.
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