Case Studies

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is a comprehensive state law enforcement agency responsible for a multitude of critical public safety functions. Department teams include the Texas Rangers, the State Troopers of the Texas Highway Patrol and DPS Special Agents.

To date, 237 of these officers have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. In 2015, the DPS Foundation, a community-focused nonprofit organization that supports DPS officers through a range of services, realized that the existing memorial did not honor these individuals in a way that accurately represented the scale of their contributions. This prompted the foundation to begin a concerted effort to envision and establish a memorial that would not only honor and recognize these officers, but also give their families and all Texas citizens a destination to gather and reflect on their sacrifices.

The result is the Fallen Officers Memorial, which was dedicated in May of 2024. Located at the Texas DPS Headquarters in Austin, Texas, the installation showcases Sunset Red® granite sourced from the Coldspring quarry located in nearby Marble Falls, Texas — which is the same stone used on the façade of the iconic Texas State Capitol built in 1888. Funding was provided by the Texas Ranger Bicentennial in 2023™ nonprofit, along with generous support from Texas Ranger 2023, the Texas Ranger Association Foundation and the Texas DPS Foundation.

Measuring 77 feet in diameter, the memorial site circle stands as a testament to the legacy and sacrifices of all Texas DPS law enforcement, past and present. The focal point of the memorial pays tribute to the very first Texas Ranger killed in the line of duty. A 12-foot-tall bronze figure at the center of the plaza depicts a modern-day DPS State Trooper standing in solemn reflection at the grave of Texas Ranger Moses Hornsby Smith, who lost his life on September 1, 1835.

Sculptor Clint Howard was inspired to connect the past and present in this powerful figure through his research of the Texas Rangers, who were created in 1823. Despite more than 200 years of history between them, both public servants depicted in the monument share the same willingness to place themselves in harm’s way in the interest of public safety.

Near this central figure, a Wall of Honor enshrines the names of more than 140 historic Texas Rangers alongside the 97 more recently fallen Texas Rangers, State Highway Patrol officers and other commissioned personnel, ensuring their sacrifices are commemorated forever.

The memorial also includes three granite monoliths, fabricated and installed by Coldspring, that symbolize the three core DPS values of courtesy, service and protection. These monoliths feature intricate bronze reliefs depicting important moments in the history, diversity and collaborative spirit of DPS. The first depicts a group of hands supporting the State of Texas. The second pairs an historic Texas Ranger with a modern-day Ranger as they both look to the horizon. The third captures the variety of career paths available through the DPS, highlighting the K9, aviation and honor guard units.

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From the iconic silhouette used to honor those officers without photographs to the series of seven badges that trace the full scope of the storied DPS history, every element of the memorial conveys profound respect for those who have fallen.

Pyrology Foundry had no doubt they would work with Coldspring on this project, given the foundry’s longstanding history of partnership with Coldspring and the company’s two decades of experience working in the Austin area.

Coldspring was involved in virtually every aspect of this project, from quarrying and design through fabrication and installation. The memorial uses Sunset Red® and complementary Mesabi Black® granite throughout the site, which includes the monoliths as well as benches, retaining walls, statue bases, flagpole bases and a time capsule. More than 300,000 pounds of granite were used to complete the monument and other memorial features. Each name on the list of fallen officers was sandblasted into the central monument by hand.

Today, the Fallen Officers Memorial serves as a solemn and tranquil place for the public to gather and reflect upon the the rich history of the Texas DPS — including the depth of commitment required from every officer who pledges to place the safety of others ahead of their own.