DPS Recognizes Two for Exceptional Service, Community Engagement

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) today honored two exemplary employees, Lead License Specialist Kiana Bailey and Tactical Flight Officer Dustin Gardner, with the 2025 Adolph Thomas Distinguished Service Award. The awards were presented by the Public Safety Commission (PSC) and DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin at DPS Headquarters in Austin.

“The Adolph Thomas Distinguished Service Award reflects the very best of our department—leadership, dedication and a true commitment to serving others,” said Colonel Martin. “This year’s recipients, Dustin Gardner and Kiana Bailey, embody those values, and their actions inspire us all by reflecting the true spirit of public service.”

The Adolph Thomas Distinguished Service Award is named after Adolph Thomas, the first Black DPS Trooper, who graduated in 1970 and had a distinguished 27-year career with the department. Chief Thomas, who passed away in 2017, was renowned for mentoring colleagues, providing training, and engaging in civic activities. The award recognizes DPS employees who excel in these same three areas, with one non-commissioned and one commissioned person selected annually.

Lead License Specialist Kiana Bailey: A Dedication to Service and Community

Kiana Bailey, who joined DPS in July 2019 in the Driver License Division, was recognized for her instrumental role in key initiatives, her ability to simplify complex information, and her contributions to the division’s SharePoint resources. She consistently enhances customer service and operational efficiency by conducting research, leading training sessions, and willingly taking on additional responsibilities. Beyond her professional duties, Bailey is actively involved in her community through church, producing newsletters, coordinating food and clothing drives, and supporting youth outreach programs.

Tactical Flight Officer Dustin Gardner: Exemplifying Leadership and Civic Responsibility

Dustin Gardner began his career with DPS in 2010 as a Trooper in Matagorda County before his promotion to Tactical Flight Officer (TFO) in 2013 and Pilot in 2014. Now serving as a TFO in Houston, Gardner plays a vital role in aerial use-of-force training, mentoring new TFOs, and instructing new TFO schools. He develops and leads specialized internal training programs and actively volunteers in the community, including deploying to Florida for Hurricane Michael recovery efforts and serving as a trail ambassador for local bicycle parks.

Both recipients exemplify the spirit of service and dedication honored by the Adolph Thomas Distinguished Service Award.