Department: Texas Department of Public Safety.
Name: Wendel “Troy” McKee.
Rank: Senior Trooper.
How many years of service with the department: 24 years.
Roles: TX DPS Crime Reduction Unit (CRU): Conducts proactive enforcement and investigations to reduce violent crime, gang activity, narcotics activity, and other recurring community crime problems. Unit personnel identify crime trends, identify gang members, target high-impact offenders and locations, conduct directed patrol and surveillance, assist with critical incidents, develop criminal intelligence, and coordinate problem-solving strategies with patrol, investigations, and community partners. The unit works collaboratively with local, county, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, including the Texas Anti-Gang Unit, to share intelligence, conduct joint operations, investigate gang-related and organized criminal activity, apprehend wanted offenders, and support state and federal prosecution of significant offenders.
Education (high school, college/degrees): Graduated from Perryton High School; Graduated from West Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Arts (BA).
Personal Certification Level: Master Peace Officer
Why did you choose this profession? My decision to pursue a career in law enforcement was not something that I had planned when I was in college. I was pursuing a degree in Business Administration, and at that time, I expected my career to take me in a completely different direction. As part of a college assignment, however, I was required to conduct a four-weekend ride-along with a law enforcement agency and write a paper about the experience. I was assigned to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) and spent those weekends riding with the local TABC Amarillo agents.
What started as a college assignment became a life-changing experience. I was able to see firsthand what law enforcement officers did, particularly the responsibilities involved in alcohol and nightclub enforcement. More importantly, I had the opportunity to spend time around men and women who dedicated themselves to serving their communities. I saw professionalism, commitment, courage, and compassion that the job required. By the time I completed the assignment and wrote my paper, I had gained a completely different perspective on law enforcement. I made an A on my paper, but the grade was not nearly as important as what I had learned about myself and the career I wanted to pursue.
That four-weekend experience left an everlasting impression on me. After graduating from college, I knew that law enforcement was the path I wanted to follow. Looking back, I believe that assignment introduced me to a calling I had not realized was waiting for me.
I have spent more than 38 years in law enforcement, and I can honestly say there has never been a day that I regretted choosing this profession. Throughout those years, I have experienced difficult situations, witnessed people at some of the worst moments in their lives, and faced challenges that have tested me both professionally and personally. I have continued to believe in the importance of what we do.
Law enforcement is much more than making arrests or enforcing the law. It is about people. It is about recognizing that sometimes the person standing right in front of you may be having the worst day of their life. It is about treating people with dignity and respect while still having the courage to do what the law requires.
Compassion does not mean failing to hold people accountable. To me, compassion means remembering that every person has a story and that our actions can have a lasting impact on their lives.
I have remained loyal to this profession because I believe in its purpose. I believe in serving others, protecting those who cannot protect themselves, helping people when they need it most, and doing the right thing even when nobody is watching. Over the years, I have developed an even greater appreciation for the men and women who put on the uniform every day and accept the responsibility that comes with it.
I am proud of the career I chose, proud of the people I have worked with, and proud of the opportunities I have had to make a difference. Most of all, I am proud to say that I am a Texas State Trooper.
When I look back at that college assignment, it was much more than a requirement for class. It was the beginning of a journey that would define much of my life. I went into that first ride-along thinking I was simply completing a college assignment. I came out of it discovering a profession, a purpose, and ultimately a calling.
After more than 38 years, I would make the same choice all over again.
How do you deal with stressful situations? Having a supportive family and relationships outside the law enforcement environment gives me a place where I can step away from the job mentally. I find some quiet time at home before jumping directly into family responsibilities.
Hobbies & interests: Family activities, watching sporting events, and playing golf.
Community involvement beyond work: I enjoy spending time with my family, attending church, and helping with community events.
Quote: “It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.”
