At the first Public Safety Commission (PSC) meeting of 2025, held on February 13 at the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Headquarters in Austin, several East Texas law enforcement officers were honored for their bravery, quick thinking, and commitment to public safety. The awards presented included two William P. Clements Excellence Awards, two Director’s Citations, two Director’s Awards, and seven Lifesaving Awards.
Texas Ranger Michael Adcock Honored with William P. Clements Excellence Award
Texas Ranger Michael Adcock (ret.) was awarded the prestigious William P. Clements Excellence Award in recognition of his outstanding service during his distinguished 27-year career with DPS. Adcock, who retired in late 2024, played a pivotal role in numerous high-profile investigations. As a Texas Ranger, he was instrumental in the investigation of the East Texas Church Fires, the murder of former Texas Governor Bill Clements' son, and the tragic deaths of Kaufman County District Attorney Mike McLelland and his wife, Cynthia.
Additionally, Adcock served as the lead investigator in the Campsite Murders, leading a complex investigation that resulted in the conviction of the perpetrators. He also led the digital crime scene documentation and reconstruction efforts following the mass shooting at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs. Adcock’s contributions to the Texas Rangers’ Major Crime Scene Response Team and Crime Scene Working Group were invaluable, and he was often the go-to resource for local investigators, prosecutors, and agency heads across the state.
His commitment to excellence extended beyond his work on cases; he was a dedicated mentor, training and guiding younger Rangers and law enforcement personnel. Adcock’s significant influence and exceptional leadership were instrumental in shaping the future of DPS, making him a deserving recipient of the Clements Excellence Award.
Trooper Justin Reese Awarded Director’s Citation for Infant Rescue During Violent Encounter
Trooper Justin Reese of Center was presented with a Director’s Citation for his heroic actions during a critical family violence situation on November 11, 2023. Assigned to the Austin Violent Crimes Task Force, Reese followed an Austin Police Department (APD) patrol unit to a domestic disturbance call. Upon arriving at the scene, Reese learned that a woman had been assaulted by her boyfriend, who had pushed her into a wall, injured her arm, and struck her pregnant stomach.
As officers made contact with the suspect, he emerged from the apartment holding a 6-month-old infant. When the officers instructed him to hand over the child, the suspect began choking and squeezing the infant, threatening that officers would have to kill him and the baby. Reese quickly assessed the situation and realized that the infant's life was in immediate danger. He approached the suspect, trying to pry his hands away from the baby’s neck and chest. The suspect resisted, tightening his grip on the infant.
With no time to waste, Trooper Reese took decisive action. He grabbed the suspect by the hair, pulling his head away from the infant’s head, and used his forearm to shield the baby. He then struck the suspect three times in the face with a closed fist, knocking him to the ground, allowing officers to seize the infant and secure the situation. The infant was taken to a hospital for treatment, and the suspect was arrested for assault and endangerment.
Trooper Reese’s quick thinking and professional response during this life-threatening situation prevented a tragedy and saved the infant’s life, earning him the Director’s Citation.
Trooper Taylor Buster Honored with Lifesaving Award for Rescuing Subject from House Fire
On October 16, 2024, Trooper Taylor Buster of Center displayed extraordinary courage when he rescued a subject from a burning house in Shelby County. While on routine patrol, Buster received a radio call reporting a house fire with a person trapped inside. The trapped individual had been advised to stay on the floor of the bathroom to avoid smoke inhalation until first responders arrived. However, the home was fully engulfed in flames when Trooper Buster arrived on the scene.
Without hesitation, Buster ran through the front door of the residence, calling out to the trapped individual. When he received no response, he exited the house and proceeded to the back. Upon hearing a voice from inside, Buster kicked in the rear door and began clearing obstacles blocking his path. The smoke was thick, and visibility was minimal, but Buster crawled into the home and reached the subject, who was unable to exit due to the dense smoke.
With the assistance of a nearby citizen, Buster grabbed the subject’s arm and pulled him to safety. Despite the extreme danger, Buster remained calm and focused, ensuring the victim’s well-being until emergency medical services arrived. The victim was treated for smoke inhalation and transported to the hospital.
Trooper Buster’s selfless actions during the fire were instrumental in saving a life, and he was awarded the Lifesaving Award for his bravery and quick response.
