INFORMATION AND COMMANDER
Chief Dale Chief joined the Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS) in 2004, starting as a state trooper with a strong background in waterborne operations. His expertise on Texas waterways quickly earned him a spot in the Marine Unit, where he excelled in search and rescue missions and maritime law enforcement. In 2016, Chief was promoted to Commander of the Marine Unit, where he now leads operations focused on border security, environmental protection, and water rescue across the state's vast river and coastal systems.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Marine Enforcement Unit is dedicated to protecting Texas’s waterways and ensuring public safety in aquatic environments. This specialized unit patrols rivers, lakes, and coastal areas, focusing on enforcing state and federal maritime laws, preventing smuggling, and conducting search and rescue operations. They also monitor for illegal activities such as drug trafficking and human smuggling along the state’s waterways. Using advanced vessels and equipment, Marine Enforcement officers collaborate with local, state, and federal agencies to safeguard Texas’s waters, providing critical support in border security and environmental protection