National Top Trooper Competition Crowns Champions in Texas Showdown
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) hosted the first-ever National Top Trooper Competition this week at its Tactical Training Facility in Florence, showcasing elite law enforcement skills from across the United States. The rigorous event brought together top troopers from 15 states for a week focused on collaboration, competition, and advanced training.
Trooper Michael Brown of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol was named the 2025 National Top Trooper in the male category, while Trooper Lindsey Rumenapp of the New York State Police earned the title in the female category. Both received custom-made belt buckles from Andrews, Texas, and bragging rights for the next year.
The competition featured participants from Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Louisiana, Missouri, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Maryland, and Tennessee. Representing Texas were Corporal Kip Staton of Tyler, the recent winner of the Texas Top Trooper competition, and Trooper Aundrea Powell of Port Lavaca, the female alternate from the state competition.
“It was our privilege to host law enforcement agencies from across the nation and showcase the exceptional talent within our profession,” said DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin. “Events like this help strengthen the relationship and communication between agencies, which is critical when we’re called to respond together during natural disasters or large-scale emergencies. The partnerships built here one day could save lives.”
The National Top Trooper Competition was a demanding three-day event designed to evaluate a Trooper’s complete operational readiness. Competitors were tested in nine events assessing physical fitness, mental resilience, tactical proficiency, and overall job knowledge. In addition to the physical and tactical challenges, Troopers underwent an interview board assessment evaluating their professionalism, communication skills, and critical thinking. Core components of the competition included advanced driving scenarios, physical fitness tests, and marksmanship evaluations using all department-issued weapon systems.
As a symbol of strength, resilience, and warrior spirit, each participant received a Spartan Sword, reflecting the competition’s theme. The sword symbolized not just victory but also the discipline, honor, and unwavering commitment expected of law enforcement officers.
“This year’s theme serves as a powerful reminder that every Trooper, like a Spartan, must be ready to stand strong in defense of others,” said Texas Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee. “Being out here alongside these Troopers, watching them push their limits and represent law enforcement across the country—it’s a powerful reminder of the grit, heart and professionalism that defines this job.”
In addition to the competition, Troopers also received Interdiction for the Protection of Children (IPC) training from Texas DPS instructors. This internationally recognized program equips law enforcement personnel with the tools to identify indicators that a child is a victim or at risk of becoming a victim—including children who are missing, exploited at-risk or endangered. Providing this training during the competition highlights its importance and ensures more law enforcement agencies across the country are better prepared to remove children from dangerous situations.
