The Texas Department of Public Safety said its Aircraft Operations Division received the 2026 Leadership in Police Aviation Award from the International Association of Chiefs of Police. The award was presented at the IACP Annual Awards Banquet in Orlando, Florida, on a Tuesday.
DPS said the division was selected from more than 35,000 agencies in over 170 countries. The department said it was recognized for leadership and innovation in both manned and unmanned law enforcement operations. DPS said this is the second straight year the division has won the award and the fifth time overall, following wins in 2011, 2019, 2021 and 2025.
DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin called the honor an extraordinary achievement and credited the division's pilots, air crews, mechanics and support staff. Chief Pilot Stacy Holland said mechanics, inspectors and support staff work behind the scenes to keep aircraft safe and ready for missions.