AUSTIN – The Public Safety Commission (PSC), along with Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director Steven McCraw, recognized the service of several Texans at the PSC meeting at DPS Headquarters in Austin. Commissioners and Director McCraw presented one Medal of Valor, three Director’s Awards, five Lifesaving Awards, and one Unit Citation.
“These awards highlight some of the most selfless acts of heroism in Texas,” said Director McCraw. “The stories of the individuals who were recognized this morning show just a glimpse of the passion Texans–both inside and outside of the department–have for keeping people across our state safe. We are truly fortunate to have such a remarkable group of people making a difference in their communities.”
The following individuals were recognized:
**Medal of Valor:**
The Medal of Valor is the highest award presented by DPS and is given to someone who distinguishes themselves at the risk of their own life. On Oct. 17, 2023, a Staff Sergeant within the Texas Rangers Special Operations Group responded to a multi-agency pursuit involving two armed suspects. He maneuvered his patrol car past other units, shot through his windshield to deflate a suspect’s tire, and successfully initiated a PIT maneuver on the suspect’s vehicle. Despite significant personal risk, he apprehended both suspects. Tragically, gunfire from the suspect’s vehicle resulted in the death of a San Benito Police Officer.
**Director’s Award:**
On May 29, 2024, during a Texas Senate hearing at the State Capitol, Laura Rogers provided critical CPR compressions to an unresponsive individual until EMS arrived. Her actions saved the person's life.
**Lifesaving & Director’s Award:**
On April 5, 2024, Special Agent Paul Struve noticed an individual preparing to jump off John Arredondo Bridge in Rosenberg. With Officer Andrew Foulds' assistance, they safely removed her from danger.
On March 13, 2024, Trooper Bryan Peña responded to a crash where Brandon Johnson had already applied first aid to an injured woman. Together they controlled her bleeding until EMS arrived.
**Lifesaving Award:**
Special Agent Garrett Ray discovered an unresponsive male subject on April 8, 2024. After administering Narcan twice for an overdose situation and stabilizing him until EMS arrived.
Trooper Scott Lewis and Sergeant Dakota Keenon revived an individual who collapsed at the State Capitol on Nov. 13, 2023 using CPR and AED shock treatment.
Trooper Edd Holt suffered cardiac arrest during training on Oct. 6, 2022; immediate response by fellow officers with CPR and AED saved his life.
**Unit Citation Award:**
The Texas Department of Public Safety Bicycle Patrol Unit began as a pilot program in October 2009 and has since become integral for crowd control during events across Texas. Their teamwork and dedication have fostered positive community relationships.
