The Texas Department of Public Safety announced on March 27 the winners of the 14th annual Javier Arana Jr. Top Trooper Competition, naming Brody Telfer from Belton as the top male and Melanie Moreno from Seguin as the top female competitor. The multi-day event concluded last Friday at the DPS Tactical Training Center in Florence, Texas.
The competition is considered significant for highlighting elite skills and commitment among state troopers. It brings together personnel from across Texas to compete in areas such as driving, firearms proficiency, physical conditioning, endurance, and job knowledge through nine different events.
“This competition represents the very best of the Texas Department of Public Safety. These Troopers demonstrate not only elite skill and discipline, but an unwavering commitment to protecting and serving Texans,” said Texas Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee. “These men and women push themselves beyond the standard, and their performance reflects the highest level of training and readiness required to represent our agency with excellence.”
This year’s contest saw participation from 140 DPS personnel statewide—including a record number of 28 female competitors out of a total field that included 112 males. The event is named after Trooper Javier Arana Jr., who took part in its first edition in 2012 before his passing shortly thereafter.
According to the official website, the Texas Department of Public Safety functions as a state agency focused on law enforcement and public safety. The department offers services such as driver licensing, vehicle inspections, crime records management, highway patrol operations, promotes community safety via educational programs, aims to protect residents through emergency management initiatives, provides statewide services,and maintains its headquarters in Austin.
As part of their recognition as Top Troopers for this year’s event, Telfer and Moreno received awards including a custom Spartan sword along with other prizes. They are now eligible to represent Texas DPS at the National Top Trooper Competition scheduled for September in Ohio. Both will also be honored at an upcoming Public Safety Commission Meeting at DPS Headquarters.
