The Texas Department of Public Safety has added more than 100 troopers as other officers carry out increased patrols during the holiday period.
The latest 109 men and women becoming troopers were commissioned Friday during graduation ceremonies in Austin.
DPS says the new troopers, who've been training since July, will report to duty stations across Texas in coming weeks.
The troopers join the force as expanded patrols began Friday for the two-week holiday period running through Jan. 2. The time frame includes Christmas and New Year's Day.
A Texas Department of Transportation grant pays for increased patrols as troopers watch for drunken drivers and other violators during high-travel periods.
Online: http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/
Copyright AP - Associated Press
