The latest From The Association

Texas State Troopers Association expands scholarship program to recognize outstanding applicants

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(Round Rock, TX) – The Texas State Troopers Association (TSTA) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 Scholarship Program. While the organization originally planned to award ten scholarships, the overwhelming number of highly qualified applicants prompted the TSTA board to expand the program. 

This year, 25 students will each receive a $500 scholarship to support their higher education goals.

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“We were genuinely inspired by the caliber of the applications we received this year,” said Rohnnie Shaw, Executive Director of TSTA. “These young people aren’t just excellent students—they are leaders, volunteers, and role models in their communities. We felt it was important to go beyond our original plan and reward as many deserving applicants as possible.”

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The TSTA Scholarship Program is open to students sponsored by TSTA members who are entering or currently enrolled in an accredited college. The award is funded by the membership dues and donations sent to TSTA and helps support the educational dreams of families in the DPS community.

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2025 TSTA Scholarship Recipients:

• Anna Kinslow
• Maddi Bearden
• Travis Matthews
• Addisen Campbell
• Skylar Germany
• Katelyn Jones
• Riley Vicknair
• Zachary Zalman
• Corbin Crenwelge
• Aidan Barnhill
• Grant Crook
• Tyler Bowen
• Reyanna Aguirre
• Audrey Weatherby
• Sarah Keesecker
• Lea Weller
• Christopher McCarty, Jr.
• Makynna Meeks
• Kendall Norman
• Bryce Fishbeck
• Mason Fishbeck
• Samantha Chavez
• Lainey Johnson
• Savannah Spurgeon
• Abrianna Guzman
  

TSTA congratulates each of these outstanding recipients and wishes them continued success in their academic and professional journeys.

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Office of the Governor
P.O. Box 12428
Austin, Texas 78711-2428

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Delivered via electronic mail

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Subj: Adding a 13th Check or Cost-of-Living Adjustment to the Special Session Call

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Dear Governor Abbott:

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On behalf of the Texas State Troopers Association and the many men and women who have proudly served in the Department of Public Safety, I want to begin by thanking you for your steadfast leadership and unwavering support of law enforcement across our great state. Your commitment to law and order on the border, public safety funding, fighting trafficking and crime, and equipping our officers with the tools they need has made Texas a national model.

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As the Legislature enters a special session, we respectfully urge you to add a 13th check or cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for DPS retirees to the call. These are the individuals who spent decades protecting Texans by patrolling highways, responding to disasters, and serving with integrity in every corner of the state. Many now live on fixed incomes that have not kept pace with inflation.

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A 13th check or COLA would provide real, tangible relief for those who dedicated their careers to safeguarding the public. We were excited to see the House overwhelmingly pass Rep. Cody Vasut’s 13th check bill (HB 886) by a vote of 131-9. With your help prioritizing this legislation, we are optimistic that Lt. Gov. Patrick, who has also been an outspoken supporter of law enforcement, will send it to your desk.

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Governor, you have consistently stood with law enforcement. We hope you will continue that legacy by supporting our retired troopers and adding this crucial issue to the special session agenda.

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Thank you again for your strong support of DPS and the broader law enforcement community. We are grateful for your leadership and your continued commitment to keeping Texas safe.

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Sincerely,

Rohnnie Shaw
Executive Director
Texas State Troopers Association

Texas State Troopers are the front-line defenders of our state. They patrol the highways, fight transnational gangs, protect our schools, support local law enforcement, respond to natural disasters, and interdict cross-border human and drug smuggling. They don’t ask for much, but they need the right tools to do the job.

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At the Texas State Troopers Association, we’ve got their backs. That means standing up for them not just in the field, but also in the policymaking process. And right now, we’re encouraged by the major public safety investments included in the House-passed “One Big Beautiful Bill.”

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The House version of the bill provides $12 billion in reimbursements to help states like Texas recover the costs of securing the southern border, and the Senate may raise it further. That’s not a handout. It’s a recognition of the burden our state has carried for years, and a chance to ensure DPS and other agencies don’t have to rob one priority to fund another. This funding will help offset operational costs, cover equipment upgrades, and ease the pressure on officers already spread thin.

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It also continues support for federal funding streams that have helped DPS and local law enforcement agencies hire, train, and equip officers for decades. These aren’t flashy programs, but they work. They keep up with recruitment needs and make sure officers in the field have body armor, radios, and vehicles that function when it matters.

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Grants to local law enforcement partners make troopers’ jobs easier. When local agencies are better equipped, trained, and prepared, it strengthens the entire public safety network. Coordination at every level keeps communities safer and allows troopers to focus on their critical roles.

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These investments strengthen our ability to respond quickly to emergencies, whether that’s a natural disaster, a major crime, or a public safety threat. They also help DPS and local agencies keep pace with the rapid growth and evolving challenges Texas faces every year.

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These are the kinds of investments that protect families, neighborhoods, and local economies. They’re not political. They’re practical, and they deliver results.

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As the bill is moving in the Senate, we’re urging lawmakers to protect these priorities—including the programs that law enforcement relies on to stay trained, prepared, and mission-ready. At a time when threats are growing more complex, we should be stepping up our investment in public safety—not scaling back the very programs that help keep Americans safe. 

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There are still lots of discussions ahead on what makes it into the final version, but those negotiations shouldn’t come at the expense of the funding that keeps our communities secure and our officers equipped to respond.

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This isn’t about politics—it’s about readiness. Our members, Texas State Troopers and noncommissioned DPS employees, are keeping us all safe, doing their duty without excuse. Congress should do the same. That means passing a final bill that keeps law enforcement funding strong, border reimbursements intact, and programs in place to fully equip our officers to handle the challenges ahead.

(Round Rock, TX) – The Texas State Troopers Association (TSTA) issued a statement today recapping the 89th Texas Legislative Session, which brought important progress for the law enforcement community, despite leaving some key priorities unresolved.

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“TSTA worked tirelessly this legislative session to deliver meaningful wins for our members and for DPS officers and staff across Texas,” said Rohnnie Shaw, Executive Director of TSTA. “But while we’re encouraged by several legislative outcomes, we know there’s more work to be done, particularly around long-standing issues like a 13th check and a permanent, real cost-of-living adjustment for retirees. We’re committed to keeping those priorities at the forefront of our mission going forward.”

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Budget and Appropriations‍

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The state budget includes $326.4M in funding for 467 new commissioned officers and 159.5 new support staff, a much-needed investment in DPS’s workforce. Stipend increases were also approved, providing monthly boosts for education levels, TCOLE certification, and bilingual fluency. Officers will now be able to receive stipends for both education and certification simultaneously.

Other noteworthy funding allocated by SB 1 and HB 500 includes:

• $149M for Homeland Security grants
• $97M for disaster recovery and technology modernization
• $26.4M for new driver license offices, $28.5M for added staffing, and $13.8M for driver license services technology improvements
• $45M for replacement helicopters and $11.1M for a new fixed-wing aircraft
• $24M for critical DPS infrastructure and equipment upgrades
• $20.4M for body and vehicle camera systems
• $20.4M to expand DPS’s cold case capabilities
• $16.1M in merit and retention pay for noncommissioned staff

Retirement contributions were maintained, including:

• 9.5% state contribution and 0.5% agency contribution to ERS
• $510M in ERS legacy payments for each year of the biennium
• An additional $1 billion one-time payment to shore up the system through HB 500

Legislation of Note

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TSTA supported the passage of several bills aimed at improving the working conditions and legal protections for law enforcement. The following have all been sent to the Governor:

• HB 3033: Creates a DPS-managed grant program to support officers and families through nonprofit assistance.
  
  
• SB 2570: Establishes a legal justification for the use of less-lethal force weapons by correctional facility guards and peace officers while performing their official duties.
  
  
• HB 2434: Allows ERS members who joined before September 1, 2015, to receive service credit for each month they worked during a 90-day waiting period, even if they didn’t make retirement contributions during that time.
  
  
• SB 2383: Simplifies the rehiring of retired DPS commissioned officers, potentially making it easier for the department to bring back experienced personnel.
  
  
• SB 9: Expands the list of offenses ineligible for personal bond to include unlawful firearm possession, violation of family violence protective orders, terroristic threats, and murder related to fentanyl distribution. 

Relatedly, SJR 5 is a proposed Constitutional amendment that would allow judges to deny bail to defendants accused of murder, aggravated kidnapping, robbery or assault with a weapon. This amendment will be determined by voters in the November 4, 2025, election.

• HB 1871: Raises the penalty for attempted capital murder of a peace officer to a first-degree felony with a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 to 99 years or life in prison.
  
  
• SB 36 & SB 2514: Establish new units within DPS to address homeland security and hostile foreign actors.
  
  
• SB 1637: Protects a peace officer from liability for the offense of deadly conduct if the officer points their weapon at another person while lawfully carrying out their official duties.
  
  
• HB 2282: Increases warrant processing fees, which would aid jurisdictions in funding their law enforcement operations.

The following two bills have already been signed by the Governor and are effective immediately:

• HB 331: Adds a presumption of line-of-duty coverage for first responders who suffer strokes within 8 hours of a physically demanding shift.
  
  
• HB 48: Creates a specialized unit focused on oilfield equipment and machinery theft prevention.

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(AUSTIN, TX) – The Texas State Troopers Association (TSTA) applauds the Texas House for passing House Bill 886 on Second Reading, which provides a one-time supplemental payment of up to $2,000 to eligible retirees in the Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS). After one final House vote, it will move to the Senate.

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This legislation brings some much-needed relief to retired state employees, including many TSTA members who dedicated their careers to protecting and serving the people of Texas.

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“We’re deeply grateful to Representative Cody Vasut and the bill’s supporters for recognizing the financial strain faced by retirees,” said Rohnnie Shaw, Executive Director of TSTA. “This supplemental payment is a meaningful step, and our members appreciate the House’s commitment to showing that their service still matters.”

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TSTA remains committed to advocating for a permanent, ongoing cost-of-living adjustment. State retirees have gone more than two decades without a real COLA — despite rising living costs and the increasing difficulty of making fixed retirement incomes stretch.

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“HB 886 is progress. We celebrate it, and we urge the Senate to pass it,” Shaw continued. “But it must be the beginning — not the end — of a serious, sustained conversation about retirement security for those who served Texas with honor.”

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(Round Rock, TX) – The Texas State Troopers Association (TSTA) is pleased to announce that the application period for the 2025 TSTA Scholarship Program has opened and will run through May 30, 2025.

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This year, TSTA will award ten scholarships of $500 each to deserving students pursuing higher education. The scholarship program is open to students entering or currently enrolled in an accredited college. Applicants must be sponsored by a TSTA member to be eligible.

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Application Requirements:

• Applicants must be entering or currently enrolled in an accredited college.
• A letter from the applicant’s TSTA member-sponsor, which may include a parent.
• College transcripts for applicants already enrolled or high school transcripts for incoming college freshmen.
• A description of applicant’s participation in academic, honorary, civic, or extracurricular activities in college or in high school for incoming freshmen.
• An essay about the applicant's relationship with their TSTA member-sponsor, current education goals, and future aspirations in their subject/training area.
• Two to three letters of recommendation from the past year written by high school or college faculty, employers, or other appropriate references unrelated to the applicant.

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“We are proud to support the educational goals of students in our TSTA family,” said Rohnnie Shaw, Executive Director of TSTA. “Investing in education is investing in the future, and we are honored to help these young men and women pursue their dreams.”

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The application is available for download from www.texasstatetroopers.org/scholarship.

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Any employee of the Department of Public Safety who is not yet a member but is interested in joining TSTA can visit www.texasstatetroopers.org or contact TSTA’s office at (512) 450-1814 with questions.

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Completed applications and supporting documents must be submitted by May 30, 2025, via mail to TSTA attn: Scholarship Applications, 2261 Gattis School Rd., Ste 250, Round Rock, TX 78664, or by email to JoAnne@texasstatetroopers.org.

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The following opinion piece was written by Rohnnie Shaw, Executive Director of the Texas State Troopers Association and first published in the Houston Chronicle.

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"Every day, Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers put their lives on the line to protect our communities.

"Nowhere is this more evident than along the Texas-Mexico border, where Texas and federal officials have warned of escalating cartel violence, and where human trafficking and the relentless flow of drugs continue.

"It’s a critical job and we must ensure we have the funding to do it well."

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From KXAN

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AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Tuesday morning asked the Texas Department of Public Safety, or DPS, to deploy tactical strike teams to “support the Trump Administration’s homeland security operations to locate and arrest criminal illegal immigrants in the state.”

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Abbott said in a press release issued Tuesday that Texas is expanding operations to assist President Trump’s hard and fast efforts to crack down on illegal immigration.

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“Today, I directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to deploy tactical strike teams to work alongside our federal partners to enforce immigration laws throughout the state,” Abbott said in the release. “These teams will coordinate with Homeland Security agencies to track down the thousands of illegal immigrants with active warrants across Texas and deport them from our country.”

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It comes on the same day that DPS Director, Col. Freeman Martin, testified in front of the Senate Finance Committee about his agency’s budget. The agency is requesting more than $3 billion from the state. The biggest ask is for an additional 500 commissioned Troopers to help with staffing issues.

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Col. Martin testified that his troopers are facing various threats across the state, including assisting in Operation Lone Star, the state’s effort to secure the southern border. Martin said the increased responsibilities on his troopers and continued deployments across the state are leaving some gaps in patrols.

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He says the additional troopers will help his agency address a lot of issues. The Texas State Troopers Association is also calling on the legislature to pass the budget request and add the additional commissioned troopers. In a statement, the association’s director, Rohnnie Shaw, said, “TSTA is urging the Legislature to prioritize DPS so our officers can continue to protect Texas communities from existing and emerging public safety threats, including at the border, where cartel violence and terrorism are escalating by the day.” ...

On Friday, TSTA Director brought the first update of the 2025 Legislative Session. TSTA is fighting to improve the lives and working conditions of every trooper, noncommissioned employee, both active and retired.

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Click here to watch!

‍(Round Rock, TX) – The Texas State Troopers Association has reviewed newly filed appropriation bills by Texas House and Senate leaders, and Executive Director Rohnnie Shaw has released the following statement:

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“We sincerely appreciate the increases in funding for DPS proposed in House Bill 1 and Senate Bill 1. Every session, we work for policies aimed at fostering better recruitment and retention, which includes increased pay, upgraded equipment, and state-of-the-art training facilities. 

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“We also know these bills will look very different in their final form, and we are working with legislators to ensure the increases proposed today are protected and built upon before they reach Governor Abbott’s desk.

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“We thank Lt. Governor Dan Patrick and House Speaker Dustin Burrows for supporting law enforcement in Texas.”

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‍(Round Rock, TX) – The Texas State Troopers Association proudly congratulates the graduating class of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Training Academy.

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DPS held a graduation ceremony for the 130 trooper trainees of Class B-2024 on Friday in Austin. This was the department’s 176th graduating class.

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This class of recruits has undergone demanding and exhaustive training since May 20, and today TSTA Executive Director Rohnnie Shaw attended the ceremony to join in the celebration of their accomplishment.

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‍"We are very proud of these troopers, and we thank them for their commitment to service," Shaw said. "The majority of this graduating class has already joined TSTA, and as of today, their memberships will become active. We are excited to serve and represent them.”‍

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(Austin, TX) – The Texas Department of Public Safety swore in its new director, 30-year veteran of law enforcement Freeman F. Martin, on Monday morning.

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“Director Martin is a seasoned veteran of not only the department but law enforcement in general," said Rohnnie Shaw, Executive Director of Texas State Troopers Association. "He is an excellent choice to lead the agency. TSTA looks forward to collaborating with the new Director to improve the lives and working conditions of all the officers and employees of DPS."

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Gov. Greg Abbott administered the oath to formally swear in Director Martin, who will serve as the 14th Director of DPS now that former director Steven McCraw has retired.

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“TSTA is grateful to Col. Steven McCraw for his years of service. He was an excellent leader for the department, and we wish him well in his retirement,” said Cris Lalonde, President of the TSTA Board. “We are excited to welcome Director Martin to his new post and to work with him.”

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Director Martin has a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command.

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He began his career with DPS in 1990 as a Highway Patrol trooper. He rose through the ranks to Texas Ranger Major in Houston before being appointed Deputy Director of Homeland Security Operations and promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in 2018.

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Lt. Col. Martin’s appointment to the Director role by the Public Safety Commission was a unanimous decision. He is the first Texas Ranger to become the director of the DPS.

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Texans have always proudly supported law enforcement, but our state’s public safety resources are stretched thin and in many ways getting thinner. Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers and employees are seriously understaffed, underpaid, and overworked in the field and in the office. Retirees who spent a career keeping us all safe are struggling to make ends meet.

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How did it come to this, and what do we do about it?

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The Texas State Troopers Association (TSTA) has been fighting for our members for 40 years, and this year, we’ve expanded our membership to include non-commissioned employees of DPS. TSTA exists to serve and to advocate for better lives and working conditions for all those protecting our state.

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To that end, the TSTA Board of Directors recently approved our legislative priorities for the 89th Session of the Texas Legislature that starts in January 2025.

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It is critical for the continued safety of Texans that the Texas House and Senate address these pressing issues and support a robust, well-funded Department of Public Safety.

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As we have done in the past, TSTA is again urging the Legislature to provide a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) or 13th Check to DPS retirees.

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Retired State Troopers are barely scraping by on retirement earnings that haven’t been adjusted since 2001 — 23 years of inflation ago. What used to cost retirees $100 now costs $180 due to the weakening of the dollar.1 This is simply not sustainable any longer.

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DPS’s current employees, too, need to see that the state cares for its retirees in order to retain brave and talented commissioned officers and staff. And retention is a serious problem as it is.

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A January 2024 report by State Auditor Lisa R. Collier found that the Texas Department of Public Safety was one of only three agencies with 1,000 or more employees whose turnover rate increased from FY22 to FY23, rising from 8.9% to 9.7%. Meanwhile, the number of separations in the department increased and the average headcount decreased.

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Breaking down the turnover rate shows that the percentage of employees who voluntarily left DPS positions for reasons other than retirement was almost twice the percentage of those who left because they were retiring (6.3% versus 2.9%).

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Texas could be facing a public safety crisis if the Legislature does not immediately address the vacancies and woeful pay within the ranks of Texas State Troopers and DPS employees.

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With that in mind, TSTA has honed in on legislative priorities surrounding retention, and by extension, recruitment.

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We will promote legislation to eliminate practices that create unnecessary hurdles in the hiring process to help make certan DPS has enough law enforcement officers. For instance, we’ll advocate for laws that would make it easier to hire out-of-state commissioned officers who want to move into Texas and become state troopers.

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For the officers who already work for the agency, TSTA will press for legislation to ensure state troopers are provided with the best equipment, including life-saving anti-choking devices, and the best training, such as how best to respond to the all-too-real possibilities of active shooter, hostage, and terrorist situations.

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We will also advocate to increase salaries and benefits for all DPS employees alongside stipend pay for all DPS commissioned officers.

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TSTA invites all state troopers and non-commissioned employees, active and retired, to join us as we ramp up for the legislative battles ahead. With greater numbers, we have greater strength. That’s why, in celebration of our 40th anniversary, we are giving new members one free year of membership if they join before October 1.

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Together with our members, we can improve DPS, rebuild the ranks, respect our retirees, and preserve public safety in Texas.

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This article was written by Rohnnie Shaw, TSTA Executive Director, and first appeared in the Dallas Express. Click the link below to view the publication.

(Round Rock, TX) - The Texas State Trooper Association (TSTA) Board of Directors recently met and voted to approve the organization's Legislative Priorities for the 89th Session of the Texas Legislature that starts in January 2025.

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TSTA redoubled its commitment to fight for improved lives and working conditions for the Texas Department of Public Safety’s employees and commissioned officers, both active and retired.

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After considering input from its members, TSTA is again prioritizing the passage of legislation that would provide a 13th Check or a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) to retirees – something that the Legislature has not done since 2001.

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TSTA will also promote legislation to eliminate practices that create unnecessary barriers to hiring, in order to bolster the number of DPS employees and state troopers.

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Other priorities concerning recruitment and retention include promoting legislation to increase salaries and benefits for all DPS employees and increase stipend pay for all DPS commissioned officers.

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TSTA will promote legislation to provide state troopers with the best equipment, including anti-choking, life-saving gear, such as LifeVac or other similar equipment.

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Additionally, TSTA will promote legislation that would increase the number of “tactical villages” across the state that train officers in how to best respond to challenges like active shooter, hostage, and terrorist situations.

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Finally, TSTA will promote legislation to more easily facilitate the hiring of out-of-state commissioned officers who desire to move into Texas and become state troopers.

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"Our members' priorities are our priorities, and we are already working tirelessly on their behalf in the halls of the Capitol," said Rohnnie Shaw, Executive Director of Texas State Troopers Association.

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The announcement of the legislative agenda comes in the midst of a series of organizational updates, including a full brand refresh and the opening of membership to non-commissioned employees of DPS. TSTA is offering new members one year of free membership if they sign up before October 1.

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(Round Rock, TX) - The Texas State Troopers Association offers sincere congratulations to the 101 men and women who graduated the academy today. These dedicated men and women have completed rigorous training, embodying the values of service, integrity, and dedication that are the hallmark of Texas' law enforcement community.

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"I was excited to attend the graduation today and celebrate this achievement with Texas' finest new law enforcement officers, and on behalf of TSTA, we wish them long, safe, and successful careers" said Rohnnie Shaw, Executive Director of the Texas State Troopers Association. "I am also honored that almost all of them have already joined TSTA, giving us an even greater voice as we advocate for better lives and working conditions for all troopers, non-commissioned DPS employees, and retirees."

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As these new troopers begin their assignments across the state, TSTA encourages all Texans to join in welcoming and supporting them in their crucial roles. Their success is not only a reflection of their personal dedication but also a commitment to the well-being of the entire state.

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(Round Rock, TX) – Today, the Texas State Troopers Association announced two major developments in their ongoing mission to serve the men and women of the state’s law enforcement agency.

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TSTA launched both a revitalized website with a fresh rebrand and opened membership opportunities to all non-commissioned employees of the Texas Department of Public Safety.

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"The rebranding of the Texas State Troopers Association is not just about a change in aesthetics; it’s about growing TSTA’s visibility and support within the agency, with the public, and inside the halls of the Capitol,” said Cris Lalonde, President of TSTA. “In an era where law enforcement feels increasingly maligned, this rebrand is an important step toward reaching more Texans and growing support for our troopers.”

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Rohnnie Shaw, Executive Director of TSTA, had this to say about TSTA’s expanding membership: “Our mission remains steadfast—to empower, support, and advocate for the courageous men and women who protect and serve the people of Texas. With our expanded membership base and revitalized approach, we are better positioned than ever to fulfill this mission and make a meaningful impact.”

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As a special offer to new members, membership fees are being waived until September 1, 2024.  And as a thank you to TSTA’s current members for their loyalty, membership renewal fees will be waived for the coming membership year.

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TSTA’s launch of these two initiatives mark the beginning of a new era for the association, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary year.

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Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the Texas National Guard continue to work together to secure the border; stop the smuggling of drugs, weapons, and people into Texas; and prevent, detect, and interdict transnational criminal activity between ports of entry.

Since the launch of Operation Lone Star, the multi-agency effort has led to over 516,600 illegal immigrant apprehensions and more than 45,500 criminal arrests, with more than 39,500 felony charges. In the fight against the fentanyl crisis, Texas law enforcement has seized over 506 million lethal doses of fentanyl, enough to kill every man, woman, and child in the United States and Mexico combined during this border mission.

Texas has also transported:

• Over 12,500 migrants to Washington, D.C. since April 2022
• Over 45,900 migrants to New York City since August 2022
• Over 36,900 migrants to Chicago since August 2022
• Over 3,400 migrants to Philadelphia since November 2022
• Over 19,200 migrants to Denver since May 2023
• Over 1,500 migrants to Los Angeles since June 2023

Click the red button below to read the full release

From Hill Country Community Journal

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To honor their fallen brother on the 20-year anniversary of his death, a large gathering of current and retired Department of Public Safety personnel, family and friends of Kurt David Knapp attended a ceremony honoring Knapp last week.

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A new SJX Jet Boat to be used by the DPS for shallow water patrol on the Rio Grande River between Eagle Pass and the Rio Grande Valley sector was named in honor of Knapp. His mother and children and his widow, as well as dozens of current DPS officers, retired DPS officers and other law enforcement from around the area were in Floresville for the dedication event.

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Knapp, who grew up in Kerrville, was killed two decades ago while on duty in a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 10 just over the line into Kendall County on May 8, 2004. A section of the interstate around the Comfort exit is denoted by memorial signs in the area where the incident occurred.

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“It is so special after all these years to remember Kurt in this way,” said his mother Jeannie Knapp who flew in from her home in Prescott, Arizona where Kurt was born, and she now lives. Kurt and his mother moved to Kerrville where he went to school and graduated from Tivy in the mid-1990s.

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In high school Knapp was in the pre-law enforcement program offered in the career and technology department and was given the opportunity to ride out with local DPS officers which helped him decide that was the career he wanted to pursue. Further ride-along opportunities with DPS officers entrenched his desire to work for DPS in the future.

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After he graduated, Knapp went on to attend Hill Junior College in Hillsboro, and Southwest Texas State University, where he received his degree in criminal justice. He then applied for the academy and was a member of the graduating class from the DPS Academy in Austin in April 1999.

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Jason Taylor, now a Lt. Col in the Texas Rangers division of DPS, was in Knapp’s class at the academy and shared his thoughts at last week’s ceremony. Taylor described Knapp as “the hardest working, most dedicated law enforcement officer in the state of Texas,” when he completed training and took to the streets.

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“Everyone in the academy liked him, especially the instructors. He was sort of the ‘teachers’ pet’ and this is a joyous day to honor Kurt by naming this vehicle for him,” Taylor said. Taylor said the boat would now be used to prevent crime along the border, and...

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TSTA has signed onto the letter of support for the bi-partisan Homes for Every Local Protector, Educator, and Responder (HELPER) Act in Congress.

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H.R.3170/S.1514, the HELPER Act, would create a home loan program for first responders and educators that would function similarly to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) home loan program. The HELPER Act was first introduced in the 117th Congress as H.R.3172/S.2981 and garnered the cosponsorship of 106 members of Congress and the endorsement of over 300 national, state, and local organizations and elected officials.

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Specifically, the HELPER Act would:

• Create a first-time homebuyer home loan program under the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) for
  law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMT), paramedics, and pre-K-12
  teachers;
• Eliminate a down payment requirement;
• Eliminate a monthly mortgage insurance premium (MIP) requirement;
• Require an upfront mortgage insurance (UFMI) premium, determined by the Secretary of Housing and
  Urban Development, to ensure the solvency of the program; and
• Require the program to be reauthorized after five years.

TSTA supports the Texas Department of Public Safety in its efforts to provide public safety to all people in Texas via the DPS Motto – Courtesy, Service and Protection. TSTA supports the following items during this legislative session:

• Pay increase for all DPS Employees to make salaries competitive with large agencies in Texas
• Establishment of a Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) for DPS Employees living or stationed in high cost areas
• Increased Stipend pay for all DPS Commissioned Officers
• Increased Corporal pay for Texas Highway Patrol (THP) commissioned Troopers
• Legislation to make the Law Enforcement and Custodial Officer Supplemental Retirement Fund (LECOSRF) actuarially sound
• Continuation of the 50-hour work week for DPS Commissioned Officers
• Support of the Department of Public Safety’s Legislative Appropriation Requests (LARs)

With over 500 commissioned vacancies and 700 non-commissioned vacancies within DPS, it is imperative that these items be addressed in order that DPS can continue to provide the services expected by all people in Texas.

Members, if you paid by credit card last year, your TSTA membership will automatically renew on your renewal date. If you have any questions regarding your 2023 TSTA Renewal, please contact us at 1-800-289-8782.

This is the tenth in a series of legislative updates that will be submitted monthly to the TSTA Newsletter. We will be covering issues relating to law enforcement, public safety, homeland security, and other legislative matters of general interest.