AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Col. Steve McCraw announced Friday he is retiring as director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, ending a 15-year tenure leading the state’s top law enforcement division.

His retirement comes after more than a year of chatter and speculation in the Texas Capitol surrounding his future with the department.

McCraw began his law enforcement career as a Highway Patrol Trooper before becoming a DPS Narcotics Agent and then a Special Agent with the FBI. His career spanned the nation from Dallas and San Antonio to Pennsylvania, California, Arizona, and Washington, D.C. In 2004, he became the Texas Homeland Security Director before taking over the top job at DPS in 2009.

In recent years, McCraw has drawn scrutiny as he led the Department through a tumultuous period in the fallout of the 2022 Robb Elementary School massacre in Uvalde. Nearly 100 DPS troopers responded in Uvalde when a gunman killed 19 children and two teachers. Each one is now facing lawsuits for a delayed and disorganized response that allowed the shooter to remain in the classrooms for more than an hour until officers confronted him.

Multiple investigations and grand jury proceedings relating to the law enforcement response are ongoing. McCraw would not comment on the pending litigation against his troopers when Nexstar asked in June.

Gov. Greg Abbott honored McCraw during Friday’s Texas DPS graduation ceremony.

“At this moment in time, you play a more pivotal role than ever before, and you have been led by an incredibly well-respected man who was instrumental in the success of DPS,” Abbott said in a release. “It has been an honor to work with Director Steve McCraw. He is a leader, visionary, and the quintessential lawman that Texas is so famous for—big, white cowboy hat and all.” 

KXAN obtained an email McCraw sent to DPS staff Friday morning stating his intentions to retire. Part of what McCraw said in the email is quoted below.

I have decided to retire as Director of this remarkable organization, and I want to take a moment to express my deep pride and heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you. Over the last 15 years, I have had the profound honor of witnessing firsthand the courage, commitment, and unwavering dedication that you bring to your roles every single day. Your work is not just a job–it is a calling, a solemn oath to protect and serve the great state of Texas, and you have done so with exceptional honor.

There is no more important responsibility in government than ensuring the safety and security of our citizens. You, the men and women of the Texas Department of Public Safety, have upheld this responsibility with unmatched excellence. Your bravery and willingness to face danger head-on have garnered the admiration and support of our leadership, legislature, and the people of Texas.

Email sent to DPS staff from Steve McCraw

McCraw also thanked the families of all DPS employees and expressed his gratitude for the role and for each DPS staffer’s selflessness in serving the department.

“Serving as the Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety has been the greatest honor of my life. I leave knowing that the future of this department is in the best possible hands–yours. Your continued efforts and commitment to excellence have made, and will continue to make, a profound difference in the lives of those around you,” McCraw said in the email.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.