East Texas DPS Agent Honored

AUSTIN — An East Texas DPS agent was among several recipients of honors handed out by the department Tuesday. His actions occurred both in his home area and in West the day of the major explosion there. KETK reports Agent Darren Lubbe, Criminal Investigations Division in Mount Pleasant, received a Life Saving Award and Director’s Citation. The Life Saving Award was for saving the life of a crash victim on Jan. 10 in Titus County. Officials say Lubbe witnessed a major collision in front of him while traveling on Highway 271 and stopped to render aid. He freed the victim from the vehicle and recognized the victim’s compound tibia fracture as a life-threatening injury. Lubbe applied a tourniquet to the leg of the victim, who was later transported by helicopter to a major trauma center.

Lubbe received the Director’s Citation for his response to the April 17 fertilizer plant explosion in West. Lubbe was traveling on I-35 in West when he witnessed the explosion. He immediately contacted DPS communications in Waco, and requested additional assistance and assets. Lubbe used his training and experience as an EMT and Advanced Tactical Medic to administer first aid to injured individuals, coordinate rescues, establish a triage area and gather medical supplies. According to authorities say, “Lubbe’s quick action and strong leadership helped save many lives in West.”