Austin News

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) congratulated the winners of the 12th annual Top Trooper Competition held in April at DPS' Tactical Training Facility in Florence. The winners were Top male Trooper Trevor Topper from Archer City and Top female Trooper Melanie Moreno from Alice. This competition honors fallen Trooper Javier Arana, Jr., who participated in the inaugural event in 2012. The contest tested Troopers on driving and firearms skills, physical conditioning, endurance, and job knowledge over nine events. Director Steven McCraw stated, "The Texas Department of Public Safety Top Trooper Competition is more than a contest—it's about honoring the sacrifices many heroes, like Trooper Javier Arana, Jr., have made in the line of duty." Trooper Topper and Trooper Moreno will be recognized at the next Public Safety Commission Meeting at DPS Headquarters in Austin.