Austin, Texas – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has made some big changes in its leadership team after Lieutenant Colonel Dwight Mathis decided to retire. Mathis had been with the DPS for more than 35 years, making a lot of contributions during his time there.
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Mathis stepped down from his position as the Deputy Director of Law Enforcement Operations on January 31, marking the end of a remarkable career. His journey started in 1987 when he joined as a Trooper in Bay City. Over the years, he worked his way up, eventually leading the Texas Highway Patrol (THP) as Chief. He didn’t stop there; he took on more roles like Assistant Chief of THP, Regional Director of the Capitol Region, and finally, Deputy Director.
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He studied at Sam Houston State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a minor in Political Science. Mathis also completed several prestigious programs, including the FBI National Academy, the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association, and the 36th Governor’s Executive Development Program. Besides his duties, Mathis played significant roles outside the department. He was part of the executive board for the FBI National Academy Associates of Texas and led the Texas Police Association as its President from 2019 to 2021.
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“For more than three decades, Lt. Col. Mathis has committed his life to the people of Texas,” DPS Director Steven McCraw said. “It has been an honor to work alongside him, and I thank him for all he has done to make this department a better place for all.”
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After Dwight Mathis left his job, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) shared news about several people getting new roles. Jason Taylor, who was in charge of the Texas Rangers, is now the Deputy Director of Law Enforcement Operations. Scotty Shiver, who looked after the Capitol Region, is the new Chief of the Texas Rangers. Gabriel Ortiz, who worked as a Major in Criminal Investigations (CID), has been promoted to take care of the Capitol Region.
Taylor started working at DPS in 1998 and has done different jobs there, like being a Trooper, a Sergeant/Investigator, and a Texas Ranger, leading up to his latest promotion. He got his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Sam Houston State University and also completed a program at the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command.
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