Texas Troopers Win National Top Trooper Competition
The Public Safety Commission honored two state troopers for their top-tier performance at a national event in Ohio.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Law Enforcement
Texas Department of Public Safety troopers Melanie Moreno and Brody Telfer recently secured the top team trophy at the National Top Trooper Competition. The recognition follows a series of individual achievements by the pair during the three-day event held in Columbus.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the rigorous training standards maintained by Texas law enforcement personnel. By excelling in nine distinct events, the troopers demonstrated a high level of physical fitness, tactical proficiency, and professional job knowledge.
The National Top Trooper Competition is a 3-day event consisting of 9 distinct assessments. The two Texas troopers were honored on October 16, 2026, following their qualifying wins at the state level in March.
The players
Melanie Moreno
She is a state trooper based in Seguin who placed first in overall female physical training at the national event.
Brody Telfer
He is a state trooper based in Belton who placed first in overall male driving at the national competition.
Texas Department of Public Safety
This is the state-level law enforcement agency responsible for public safety and the training of state troopers in Texas.
Public Safety Commission
This body oversees the Texas Department of Public Safety and is responsible for recognizing the achievements of state personnel.
The details
Troopers Melanie Moreno and Brody Telfer outperformed their peers in multiple categories, including male driving and female physical training. They previously qualified for the national stage by winning the Javier Arana Jr. Top Trooper Competition earlier in 2026.
Timeline
March 2026: Moreno and Telfer won the state Top Trooper competition.
September 2026: Moreno and Telfer won the national team competition.
October 16, 2026: The Public Safety Commission honored the two troopers.
Legal Context
The victory at the national competition serves as a direct expansion of the professional success these troopers achieved at the 14th annual Javier Arana Jr. Top Trooper Competition held earlier this year. This trajectory mirrors the focus on specialized tactical training common among state-level law enforcement agencies seeking to improve officer performance standards.
Residents benefit from having highly trained troopers who have demonstrated elite proficiency in tactical and professional skills. This level of performance among state personnel often correlates with improved service standards and effective communication during public interactions.
The takeaway
Maintaining top-tier physical and tactical standards is a hallmark of high-performing law enforcement organizations. Readers can appreciate the value of specialized training programs that prioritize critical thinking and professional conduct in public safety roles.
Further reading
Learn more about the Law Enforcement efforts within the state.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MyParisTexas.
