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 DPS
Academy Commencement - 2010 Class A-11 is Sworn In - July 8, 2011
DPSOA Congratulates and Welcomes Class A-11
Congratulations to the A-11 Recruit Class who were sworn in as Texas DPS Troopers this morning
at the LBJ Library Auditorium in Austin, Texas. Thirty two men and women took their oath to
protect and serve the citizens of Texas.
Public Safety Commission members on hand included Chairman Allen Polunsky, who addressed
the newest members of the most elite law enforcement agency in the
state, and Commissioners
Carin Barth. Chairman Polunsky noted that today marks a turning point in these young graduates' lives. Wearing the Texas Tan takes
commitment and courage. He noted their responsibility to
keep the 25 million
citizens of Texas safe. Chairman Polunsky wished them the best of luck, and
thanked the Troopers and their families for their dedication.
DPS Director Steve McCraw reminded the class to be ever diligent in their duties.
He told a story
of a young recruit who, on the first day of duty, was eager to
impress on his first Highway Patrol
stop. He did everything by the book, and got
out of his black and white, and the car began to
follow him to the vehicle that he had stopped. He jumped back in the car, hit the brake and put
the car into Park. That trooper was a young Steve McCraw.
Chairman Polunsky introduced the keynote speaker, State Senator Tommy Williams, Chairman of
the Senate Transportation and Homeland Security Committee. Senator Williams told the new
Troopers that today's ceremony was about them and their accomplishments. He also thanked
their families and their friends for all of their support through this difficult training period, advising
that the class started with 52 recruits of whom 32 graduated, proving that this profession isn't
for everyone; only the elite prevail.
Senator Williams reminded the Troopers that their training and authority also comes
with responsibility.
Your knowledge and application of the rule of law is what differentiates our society from the
totalitarian countries that none of us want to become. Always balance your authority with your
courtesy.
Congratulations to Derek W. Duckett, the winner of the Academic Achievement
Award for this
class
with an average grade of 98.872% GPA.
Congratulations to John W. Tyson, the winner of the A-11 Phebus Award, which recognizes
Leadership, Commitment, and Service.
And finally, congratulations to Adam M. Rimlinger who won the Major James O. Ratliff Outstanding Performance Award (Top Gun), which recognizes tactical skills including driving, self defense, and
firearms.
DPSOA is proud to welcome all thirty two of this outstanding recruit class as new Members of our Association. When these troopers are stationed in an area near you, please do what you can to
welcome them and offer any assistance necessary.
Marvin Baker
John Chambers
Furtis Doffoney. Jr
Derek Duckett
Zacariah Dwyer
Daniel Falcon
Justin Ferguson
Charles Fox, Jr
Araon Frazier
Carlos Garcia, Jr
Nicolas Gassoitt
Ralph Glass
Larry Harrison, II
Drew Kirkland
Justin Little
Kenny Mata
Jennifer Miller
Jerrad Norman
Noe Pantoja
Erik Ramirez
Adam Rimlinger
Andy Sharp
Jon Shock
Jose Sifuentes
Michelle Smith
Joel Smith
Paul Spangenberg
John Sullivan
John Tyson
Ryan Wadkins
Jerry Whitten
Collin Wyatt
Congratulations again to these new troopers and their families. Good luck and be safe out there.
Gary Chandler
President, DPSOA
___________________________________________________________________
The Texas Department of Public Safety Officers Association Applauds
Actions of the Attorney General of Texas to Stop Improper and Illegal Solicitation
of Public Funds
Texas DPSOA is not affiliated with any group or organization that makes false promises
about the use of contributions or funds raised in support of the organization’s mission.
For nearly 40 years, the Texas Department of Public Safety Officers Association (DPSOA) has been working to advocate on behalf of Troopers, Agents, Rangers, Officers, Communications Personnel and Forensic Scientists of the Texas Department of Public Safety. DPSOA is the largest organization representing commissioned law enforcement officers in Texas and includes nearly 3800 men and women who daily pledge their lives to protect Texans across the state.
DPSOA is a not-for-profit organization which is funded primarily through member dues and revenue generated by our annual conference. In 2010 the organization launched the DPS Troopers Foundation (DPSTF) to further support DPS commissioned officers, communication personnel, and forensic scientists by providing financial assistance in times of emergency need, survivor benefits at death, education and training programs, and scholarships for qualifying family members.
The DPSTF also supports at-risk youth programs in the community. DPSTF depends on public
donations in order to serve its mission.
Neither DPSOA nor DPSTF conduct residential telemarketing and both are committed to being
transparent and in full compliance with the law in all of their fundraising efforts.
“Law enforcement officers have a tremendous responsibility in our state and we applaud Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott for his recent actions against organizations that aim to diminish confidence in public safety officials,” said DPSOA President Gary Chandler. “We take tremendous pride in both our mission as well as the high ethical standards we operate under each and every day.”
For further information please contact Gary Chandler at 512-451-0571 or president@dpsoa.c
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