On October 10, 2024, the Texas Public Safety Commission (PSC), together with Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director Steven McCraw, recognized several Texans for their courageous service during a ceremony at DPS Headquarters in Austin. The ceremony highlighted one Director’s Citation, one Director’s Award, five Lifesaving Awards, and additional honors for exceptional acts of bravery and public service.
DPS Director McCraw commended the honorees, stating, “It is a privilege to honor the exceptional dedication and courage displayed by these outstanding members of our department and community. Their commitment to public safety and service exemplifies the highest standard of excellence. They truly understand the importance of safety in our communities and across our state.”
Lifesaving & Director’s Award – July 8, 2024 Rescue During Tropical Storm Beryl:
Trooper Paul Bickerstaff, stationed in Henderson, Texas, and Rusk County Fire Marshal Patrick Dooley were awarded for their heroic response to a life-threatening situation caused by Tropical Storm Beryl on July 8, 2024.
Trooper Bickerstaff was dispatched to a scene where a vehicle had been swept off the road into high floodwaters near a wooded area. The victim, a woman, was sitting on top of her submerged vehicle in the fast-moving waters. When Bickerstaff arrived, local fire department personnel guided him to the location where the woman was trapped.
Joined by Fire Marshal Dooley, both men donned swift water rescue gear and navigated through dangerous floodwaters to reach the woman, who was stranded 50 to 60 yards from the road. Trooper Bickerstaff made his way to the submerged vehicle, securing himself to it, while Marshal Dooley positioned himself downstream as a safety measure, preparing an additional throw rope in case the rescue became complicated.
Once Bickerstaff reached the woman, he secured her to himself with a rope and, with the help of a fireman positioned onshore, pulled both himself and the woman to a shallow area. Marshal Dooley assisted in maintaining the stability of the operation downstream, ensuring the woman was safely brought out of the rushing water.
The woman was examined by emergency medical personnel on the scene and survived, thanks to the rapid and coordinated efforts of Bickerstaff and Dooley.
For his actions, Trooper Paul Bickerstaff was awarded the Lifesaving Award, recognizing his courage and determination in saving the woman’s life. Fire Marshal Patrick Dooley was honored with the Director’s Award for his role in assisting the rescue operation and ensuring its success.
This event was one of several rescues that occurred during the powerful storm, highlighting the dedication of Texas first responders and their commitment to public safety even under the most extreme conditions.
