New Texas DPS Director Freeman Martin officially sworn in

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The new director of the Texas Department of Public Safety was officially sworn into the role Monday morning.

Gov. Greg Abbott administered the oath to ceremonially swear in Freeman F. Martin at the Fallen Officers’ Memorial Site at the DPS Headquarters in Austin Monday morning.

The Public Safety Commission (PSC) announced Martin as the 14th director of DPS on Nov. 20. According to the Texas Commission of Law Enforcement (TCOLE), Martin received his Texas Peace Officer License 34 years ago in 1990 and has been with DPS for the entirety of his career.

Martin began as a trooper in the Texas Highway Patrol Division before becoming a sergeant in the Narcotics Service in Houston, then worked his way up the ranks as a Texas Ranger, according to DPS.

Martin is the first Texas Ranger to ascend to the position, according to Abbott's office.

Former DPS Director Col. Steve McCraw's last day in the position was Nov. 30, and Martin's first day was Dec. 1.