DPS Senior Trooper Joe Hogue now works in an administrative position in the Tyler, Texas headquarters, but you may remember him from the seven years he was assigned to the Interstate 30 corridor in Hopkins and Franklin Counties as a Trooper and Canine Unit handler. Joe is one of 4,200 members of the Department of Public Safety Officers Association (DPSOA) which, since 1977, has advocated on behalf of Troopers, Agents, Rangers, Officers, Communication Personnel and Forensic Scientists of the Texas Department of Public Safety. It is one of the largest organizations representing commissioned law enforcement officers in Texas who daily pledge their lives to protect Texans across the state. A non-profit branch of the Association, the DPS Trooper’s Foundation (DPSTF), conducts fundraising efforts to increase moneys for financial assistance for emergency need, survivor benefits at death, education and training programs and scholarships for qualifying family members. An example of funds disbursed recently was during 2017’s Hurricane Harvey for numerous Foundation members in need of emergency assistance. This Spring, the Foundation has planned a Bass Fishing Tournament on Lake Fork, Texas. The tournament is set for the weekend of May 11 and 12, 2018 and two-person teams are being sought as well as business and corporate sponsorship, donations and vendors. Find full details at dpstf.org, on social media at DPSTF Team Bass Fishing Tournament and on flyers posted at Lake Fork area marinas, or you may contact Tournament Chairman Michael Sparks at 432-634-0151.
