Governor Greg Abbott paid tribute to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers and Texas Rangers who lost their lives in the line of duty. The ceremony took place during DPS’ annual Peace Officers Memorial Service.
“In communities across our state, DPS troopers perform an often thankless duty,” said Governor Abbott. “They do it with a badge on their chest and a pledge in their heart to protect and serve. In Texas, we recognize the weight of that calling and the price that some are asked to pay. That is why we honor our fallen peace officers, who gave their lives so that others might live in safety and peace.”
Public Safety Commission Chairman Steven P. Mach, DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin, family members of fallen DPS Trooper Kevin Ramirez Vasquez, killed in September 2024, along with other law enforcement officials and families of fallen officers were present at the event.
“The Peace Officers Memorial service is a critical reminder of why we, as DPS officers, wear the badge, why we train the way we do, why we must always be at the top of our game and how tomorrow is never promised,” stated Colonel Martin. “Not only do we honor the fallen at today’s service, but we thank their families for all they sacrificed along the way—and we remind them that their heroes will never be forgotten.”
In 2024, Governor Abbott attended the dedication ceremony for DPS’ new Fallen Officers Memorial located at their headquarters in Austin.
