Texas Department of Public Safety - South Texas Region

ALICE, TEXAS - (News Release) Every year, DPS Troopers compete for the title of Top Trooper at DPS’ Tactical Training Facility in Florence. This multi-day competition puts Troopers to the test on everything from driving and firearms skills to physical conditioning and endurance to job knowledge.

At the end, one male and one female Trooper each earn the Javier Arana Jr. Top Trooper Award. This award is named after fallen DPS Trooper Javier Arana Jr. who participated in the inaugural competition in 2012.

This year Trooper Melanie Moreno (Alice) took home the top female competitor title.