DPS preparing for 75th Diamond Jubilee anniversary
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Barbara Hinesley, who co-chairs the Jubilee event with DPS Col. Lamar Beckworth, said each of the six regional facilities' celebrations will feature an honor guard, a memorial wreath laying to honor fallen officers from that area, a guest speaker and a food event.
DPS has been busy getting the word out about the celebration. Hinesley said the event was recently featured in a Texas Highways magazine article and a local grocery store chain in Austin will feature banners in three of its Austin stores inviting the public to attend.
"We've been doing a lot of advertising," said Hinesley, who noted approximately 500 invitations have also been sent to members of the Texas Legislature, families of DPS personnel who died in the line of duty and will be honored during the celebration, to former DPS chiefs, colonels and commissioners, area police and sheriff's office personnel and others.
Among the activities of the Aug. 6 celebration in Austin will be a number of outside displays. Among them will be a DPS dive boat, canine vehicle, ASTAR helicopter and crime lab mobile unit. "We're planning some great activities for kids," said Hinesley. A Children's Zone will feature a "Dunk a Trooper" dunking booth, an obstacle course, "Police" duck pond and more. Hinesley said the helicopter displays are expected to be a big draw. There will also be numerous displays in the Training Academy, including Motorcycle Safety, School Bus Safety, Child Passenger Safety Seat Program and the former Texas Rangers Foundation.
Other events of the day include demonstrations of helicopter rappelling, demonstrations by SWAT teams and showings of the film "DPS: Honoring the Past/Celebrating the Future." There will also be a barbecue lunch. Those planning to attend should check the DSP Web site for ticket purchase information.
To view the agenda for the Aug. 6 celebration in Austin, click here.
