The Texas Department of Public Safety recently congratulated troopers Mark Cooke and Dani Bayse, both from Southeast Texas, on being selected as Top Troopers following the Annual Javier Arana Jr. Top Trooper Competition in late February.
The competition honors Arana., who died in the line of duty in El Paso in 2012. The competition is held at the department’s tactical training facility for four days.
It tests the core competencies and disciplines of a uniformed officer, including job knowledge, physical fitness, firearms proficiency and pursuit driving.
Cooke, 26, has served the Texas Department of Public Safety for four years. Originally from Spring, Cooke attended the University of Houston. He currently lives in Orange and works in Jefferson County. Now as a “Top Trooper,” Cooke shared his response to being selected and how it all began.
Q: You were recently selected as a Top Trooper following the Annual Javier Arana Jr. Top Trooper Competition in late February. How would you describe your experience, including when you learned that you had been selected?
A: I was fortunate to be given the opportunity to represent Region 2 at the 10th annual Top Trooper Competition. The competition is known to be highly competitive, and this year there were 97 participants from across the state. The competition is physically and mentally demanding. However, the comradery, coupled with the reason we’re there, overshadows the difficult physical fitness sessions. I am honored to have won the overall competition and was absolutely humbled to hear my name called out as the winner.
Q: Let’s go back to the start. When did you begin your career in law enforcement, and what originally inspired you to pursue the path to become a state trooper?
A: I come from family of law enforcement. My father has been in law enforcement for over 30 years and has been a role model for me. The State of Texas is a big place and DPS offered the best opportunities for me to experience the most from this profession.
Q: What was your first call in law enforcement and how did it go?
A: My first call was a single vehicle crash involving an intoxicated driver on Interstate 10. No one was hurt and the driver was taken into custody.
Q: What is the greatest lesson you have learned as a state trooper?
A: The greatest lesson I’ve learned while being a State Trooper is to be an asset and not a liability. Be an asset to yourself, your peers and to the people of Texas.
Q: What is your recommendation for people who are interested in pursuing their career in law enforcement, including to become a state trooper?
A: Reach out to several different agencies and sit down with recruiters. Come do a ride along with a Trooper and see what we really do. Get physically fit, be disciplined and evaluate your reason “why.” That will keep you motivated in your pursuit.
Q: Outside of law enforcement, what do you also enjoy?
A: Outside of work I spend as much quality time with my wife and children as I can.
Q: What do you wish people understood better about what you do?
A: I think things like the citizens academies and similar programs do a great job of bridging the gap between the community and law enforcement agencies. My entire career has been here in Southeast Texas and my experiences with the community has been overwhelmingly positive.
Bayse could not be reached for comment.
