Troopers get awards

EAST TEXAS – During the Texas Department of Public Safety’s (DPS) commission meeting on Thursday, two DPS troopers from East Texas were honored with “Lifesaving Awards” for their heroic actions in 2025. According to our news partner KETK, Trooper James Whitten of Tyler received the Lifesaving Award for taking action while responding to a shooting incident in Smith County on Aug. 6, 2025. Per the DPS, Whitten immediately proceeded to the scene upon hearing about the emergency, recognizing that he was the closest unit. Upon arriving, he noticed the victim’s gunshot wound was actively hemorrhaging with arterial bleeding and applied lifesaving medical aid.

“His prompt intervention effectively controlled the bleeding and preserved the victim’s chance of survival until emergency medical personnel arrived to provide advanced care,” DPS said. “Following the transfer of medical responsibility, Trooper Whitten continued to support Smith Co. Sheriff’s Office deputies by securing the scene and assisting in the collection of evidence vital to the investigation.”

For his response to a high-risk motorcycle and pickup truck crash, Trooper Jeffrey Constant of Marshall was also honored with a Lifesaving Award. Constant responded to the incident on Sept. 7, 2025, in which a motorcyclist ran a red light at FM 1788 in Ector County and was struck by a pickup truck. DPS said that upon arrival, Constant recognized the potential for fatal internal bleeding and applied a tourniquet to the injured person’s legs.

“His leadership, medical knowledge and composed response during a chaotic and rapidly evolving emergency were vital in maintaining the rider’s condition until EMS arrived,” DPS said.

Several other troopers across the state were recognized for their life-saving actions and quick-thinking.