At the August meeting of the Public Safety Commission in Austin, Trooper Joseph Sherman of Corsicana was awarded the Purple Heart by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The presentation recognized his actions and injuries sustained while on duty.
The award was presented by Chairman Stephen P. Mach, alongside commissioners Nelda Luce Blair, Dan Hord, Larry Long, Steven Stodghill, and DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin.
“It is a privilege to be able to honor Trooper Sherman’s bravery and selfless dedication to the people of Texas in this way,” said DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin. “His courage and resilience are an inspiration to all of us, and he serves as a shining example for all the men and women of this department.”
The incident occurred on March 13, 2025, when Troopers Sherman and Noah Thompson were assisting with traffic control along Interstate 45 in Corsicana. While they were monitoring traffic in a grassy median during the removal of a disabled commercial vehicle, a Ford F-250 left the roadway and struck their patrol unit before hitting both troopers. Despite attempts to avoid the truck, both officers were hit.
Trooper Sherman suffered serious injuries from the crash and was taken to Navarro Regional Hospital for emergency treatment. He underwent surgery for a broken right tibia and continues to recover under medical supervision.
The Purple Heart is given to commissioned officers who are seriously injured while performing their duties. According to DPS officials, Trooper Sherman’s professionalism during dangerous circumstances makes him worthy of this recognition.
