The Texas Department of Public Safety honored its officers and non-commissioned employees who lost their lives in the line of duty during the annual Peace Officers Memorial Service in Austin on May 21. The event took place at the DPS’ Fallen Officers Memorial and was attended by members of the Public Safety Commission, DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin, Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows, DPS leadership, and families and friends of fallen officers.
Speaker Burrows said, “Today, the State of Texas honors the memory of these brave peace officers who gave their lives serving and protecting their fellow Texans. Their courage and devotion to duty will never be forgotten. We also express our deep gratitude to the men and women of law enforcement across Texas – and to the families who stand beside them – for their continued service and commitment to keeping our communities safe. Texas will remain forever grateful for the sacrifice and devotion of our brave peace officers.”
PSC Chairman Steven P. Mach said, “Over the last year, two more names have been etched onto the DPS Wall of Honor, and we are grateful for the sacrifices each of those men made and for the families who stood alongside them. We are so blessed to know that a DPS Trooper, Special Agent, Pilot or Texas Ranger is always out in our communities keeping us safe. Texans are truly fortunate to have courageous men and women who wake up every day to put on the uniform.”
Colonel Martin added, “Today, we remember our DPS personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice, and we renew a promise to their families that their loved ones will not be forgotten. To the Adamick and Shown families, and all families who have lost a loved one, this is the renewed promise of our commitment to always be with you. You are not alone and your loved ones’ sacrifice was not in vain. They will never be forgotten.”
The main feature at DPS’ Fallen Officers Memorial is a large panel displaying all 245 names on its Wall of Honor—both commissioned officers as well as non-commissioned employees—who died while serving since as early as 1823 when what would become today’s agency began as part of the Texas Rangers. In addition to shaping cultural heritage through appearances in books or television programs according to the official website, today’s department manages facilities statewide including headquarters at Camp Mabry in Austin.
In this past year two names were added: Trooper Adamick died Sept. 15 while responding with other law enforcement; his vehicle left FM 945 South roadway before striking a tree then catching fire; Trooper Shown passed away Feb. 27 from complications directly related to an injury sustained Dec. 16, 1988 after being shot responding with McLennan County Sheriff’s Office.
The department employs over 11,000 people operating more than 5,000 vehicles under governance by its Public Safety Commission according to its official website. The organization continues emphasizing service through creeds such as that no wrongdoer can overcome resolute enforcers.according to its official website
A list honoring fallen personnel since inception remains available online.
