Houston Daily

Governor Greg Abbott attended the annual Peace Officers Memorial Service held by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) in Austin. The event honored DPS troopers and Texas Rangers who lost their lives while serving in the line of duty.

"In communities across our state, DPS troopers perform an often thankless duty," stated Governor Abbott. "They do it with a badge on their chest and a pledge in their heart to protect and serve. In Texas, we recognize the weight of that calling and the price that some are asked to pay. That is why we honor our fallen peace officers, who gave their lives so that others might live in safety and peace."

The ceremony included notable attendees such as Public Safety Commission Chairman Steven P. Mach, DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin, and the family of fallen DPS Trooper Kevin Ramirez Vasquez, who was killed in September 2024. Other law enforcement officials, along with family and friends of fallen officers, were also present.

Colonel Martin emphasized the significance of the service: "The Peace Officers Memorial service is a critical reminder of why we, as DPS officers, wear the badge, why we train the way we do, why we must always be at the top of our game and how tomorrow is never promised," he said. "Not only do we honor the fallen at today’s service, but we thank their families for all they sacrificed along the way—and we remind them that their heroes will never be forgotten."

In 2024, Governor Abbott took part in dedicating a new Fallen Officers Memorial at DPS headquarters in Austin.