AUSTIN, Texas — After 15 years with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Col. Steven McCraw has retired.
On Wednesday, McCraw left DPS headquarters in Austin for the final time. He has been with the department since 2009 but has served in law enforcement for much longer. His law enforcement career began in 1977 as a trooper with the Texas Highway Patrol.
In 1983, he became a Special Agent with the FBI and served in Dallas, Pittsburgh, Los Angeles, Tucson, San Antonio and Washington, DC. He served with the FBI, racking up several promotions, until retiring from the bureau in 2004. That same year, he took the mantle of Texas Homeland Security Director in the Office of the Governor, where he served until his appointment as DPS Director in 2009.
In recent years, McCraw's name has become better known to Texans. His department is involved with Operation Lone Star, the border security operation launched in 2021, and he has faced criticism for the actions of officers under his leadership during the mass shooting in Uvalde in 2022.
McCraw announced his retirement in August during his commencement speech at a DPS officer graduation ceremony in Austin.
“Serving as the Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety has been the greatest honor of my life,” Director McCraw said. “I leave knowing that the future of this department is in the best possible hands. The continued efforts and commitment to excellence by those that work at DPS have made, and will continue to make, a profound difference in the lives of the people of this great state.”
Over the last month, DPS personnel have honored the Director’s time at DPS and the impact he has had on the department through a video series entitled “Honoring a Lifetime of Service,” which takes a look at the significant impact his leadership has had on DPS, and its people, over the last 15 years.
"Director Steve McCraw has headed the Texas Department of Public Safety with integrity and dedication for the last 15 years," said Governor Greg Abbott. "I thank him for his exceptional service to the state and for always upholding the rule of law in our great state. Director McCraw played a pivotal role in keeping Texans safe, and his legacy will live on for generations."
McCraw’s official last day as the director is Nov. 30. Lt. Colonel Freeman F. Martin takes over on Dec. 1, as the department’s 14th director and will be sworn in at an official ceremony at DPS headquarters on Dec. 2.
