In a historic appointment, Lt. Colonel Freeman Martin has been named director of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), marking the first time in the agency’s history that a Texas Ranger has taken the helm. Governor Greg Abbott announced the selection in a press release, lauding Martin’s extensive law enforcement experience and steadfast dedication to public safety.
“With a wealth of experience in law enforcement and a strong commitment to uphold the rule of law, Freeman Martin is the right choice to lead the Texas Department of Public Safety and will be instrumental to ensure the safety and security of Texans,” Abbott said in his statement.
Martin succeeds former DPS Director Steve McCraw, who announced his retirement in August after more than a decade of service. McCraw described his tenure as “the greatest honor of [his] life.” During Martin’s swearing-in ceremony, McCraw expressed confidence in his successor, predicting that Martin would perform “as good or better a job than I have.”
Governor Abbott also spoke at the ceremony, emphasizing the critical role DPS plays in safeguarding the state.
“That process of keeping the people of this state safe begins with the Texas Department of Public Safety,” Abbott said. “We cannot achieve our goal of public safety in our state if we do not have at the top of our leadership rung someone who is devoted 24/7 to fulfilling that mission for the people.”
Abbott added, “What lies at the heart of Freeman Martin is a true dedication to the rule of law in the state of Texas.”
In his remarks following the swearing-in, Martin called the appointment “the honor of my lifetime” and pledged to uphold Texas’ reputation as a law-and-order state.
“Texas is a law and order state, and we will not give up one square inch of this state to cartels, to gangs, to violent offenders, or to crime,” Martin declared.
Martin brings decades of experience to his new role. His career with DPS began as a Highway Patrol trooper, with subsequent promotions to corporal, sergeant, lieutenant, and captain in the Texas Rangers. Most recently, he served as the regional commander for Central Texas and deputy director of Homeland Security Operations.
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