Former Sulphur Springs DPS Officer Named First Female Ranger Major in 200 Year History
September 12, 2023 – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announces the promotion of Texas Ranger Captain Wende O. Wakeman to the rank of major, making her the first female Ranger major in the organization’s storied two-hundred-year history. “Major Wende Wakeman’s years of hard work, her tremendous strength of character and her unwavering determination have all led her to this moment,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “I...
DPS Increases Enforcement to Keep Roads Safe on July 4
Texas Department of Public Safety image AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Texas Highway Patrol (THP) will be initiating two traffic safety campaigns during the holiday weekend looking for people violating traffic laws from Friday, July 1, through Monday, July 4. “Our nation’s freedom is something worth celebrating, and I encourage everyone to do it in a responsible way,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “This...
DPS Urges Children, Drivers to Learn Safe Habits During National School Bus Safety Week
National School Bus Safety Week is Oct. 18-22, 2021, and the Texas Department of Public Safety would like to remind the public that they play an important role in ensuring the school buses make it to their destinations safely each day. “School buses are the safest mode of travel for children to get to school, and drivers need to do simple but crucial things, such as not passing a school bus or paying attention when they...
DPS Encourages Safety For Labor Day Holiday
AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety encourages everyone to drive safely as they celebrate the unofficial end of summer during the long Labor Day weekend. The Texas Highway Patrol will be increasing enforcement from Sept. 3 through Sept. 6, looking for people not wearing their seat belts, speeders, people driving while intoxicated and drivers who fail to follow the state’s Move Over, Slow Down law, among other...
DPS To Increase Traffic Enforcement For The Holidays
DPS PRESS RELEASE AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announced its annual Christmas and New Year’s holiday traffic enforcement campaigns will kick off on Wednesday, Dec. 23. DPS is reminding drivers to celebrate the holiday season responsibly by practicing safe driving habits and obeying all traffic laws. “Another year is drawing to a close, and while there are many reasons to celebrate, we must all remember to do so...
Former Sulphur Springs Trooper Making DPS History As One Of First Female Ranger Captains
August 11, 2020 – Three Texas Rangers, including a Ranger who began her DPS career in Sulphur Springs, are making history with their promotions to the rank of captain, according to Texas Department of Public Safety. DPS logo Wende Wakeman, who began her career as a DPS Trooper in Sulphur Springs, and Melba Saenz are the first two female Ranger captains in DPS history. James Thomas is the first-known Ranger in modern history...
DPS Increasing Patrols for Both Christmas and New Year’s
The Texas Department of Public Safety will be increasing patrols around both the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. The emphasis began Christmas eve and will continue through Sunday for the Christmas holiday. A news release notes patrolling troopers will be looking for drunk drivers, speeders, seal belt violators and other drivers who are endangering themselves and others on the state’s roadways. DPS Director Steven McCraw...
Celebrate New Year's Safely, By Observing Traffic And Other Laws
As you prepare to celebrate the New Year with friends and family, those planning to be out on the road are reminded to drive carefully, courteously and lawfully. Those who plan to consume alcoholic beverages are reminded to either stay at their celebratory location or designate a drive who has not consumed beverages to get you home or call for Uber or other driving service. Many AAA clubs offer safe ride services for members and...
Help Make Holiday Travel Safer, Drive Responsibly
The Texas Department of Public Safety urges all drivers to practice safe driving habits and exercise extra caution while traveling on Texas roadways during the busy Thanksgiving holiday. “As we gather with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving, you will play a key role in keeping everyone safe as you travel on our roadways this holiday,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “We urge drivers to celebrate the...
Republican Candidates For District 2 Texas House Of Representatives Participate In Hopkins County Forum
All three Republican candidates for Texas House of Representatives District 2 weighed in Monday on a number of current issues, including Second Amendment rights, agriculture, illegal immigration, abortion, property taxes and appraisals, and campaign finance. The three candidates participated in Hopkins County Republican Party’s Presidents’ Day Forum and fundraiser, for which more than 400 tickets were reportedly sold. The...
