The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has announced that its Fitness Wellness Unit (FWU) has received the 2024 Officer Wellness Award. This recognition is for the unit's significant efforts to enhance the physical and mental health of DPS personnel throughout Texas.

"The physical and mental health of our employees—commissioned and non-commissioned—is imperative to DPS’ mission to serve and protect Texas," stated DPS Director Steven McCraw. "This award is a testament to the Fitness Wellness Unit’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the overall well-being of our agency’s personnel both while they serve and after they retire from a life of service."

The Officer Wellness Award was presented at the annual Destination Zero National Officer Safety and Wellness Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. It acknowledges law enforcement agencies that have developed programs aimed at improving officers' wellbeing by reducing stress, increasing fitness, or promoting healthier diets and lifestyles.

Under the Training Operations Division, FWU offers several key services for DPS. It oversees mental and physical conditioning for Trooper Trainees at the DPS academy, conducts mandatory fitness tests for commissioned Troopers statewide, and provides guidance on various health-related topics such as nutrition, sleep, stress management, among others.

Since its establishment in 2010, FWU has expanded significantly in both size and demand. The unit plays an important role in educational wellness initiatives at DPS. It also travels across Texas and neighboring states to share best practices with other agencies while conducting multiple group exercise classes daily at DPS Headquarters.