#132- "When Family Falls and Duty Calls" with TXDPS Director Gabe Ortiz

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From the battlefield… to the jail floor… to the front seat of a Texas DPS patrol unit — this is a story built on grit, sacrifice, and purpose.

In this powerful episode, Texas DPS Regional Director Gabriel L. Ortiz sits down with Blue Grit to break down his remarkable 25-year journey in law enforcement. From his early days serving in the U.S. Air Force Security Forces, to working inside a county jail, to earning his badge as a Texas State Trooper, Director Ortiz has seen every level of the profession.

He takes listeners inside his rise through the ranks — from Trooper to Special Agent, Lieutenant, Captain, and Major — as he leads complex investigations targeting gangs, narcotics, human trafficking, and violent crime across Texas.

But this episode goes deeper than the badge.

Director Ortiz opens up about a deeply personal chapter — his brother choosing a different path in life… one that ultimately ended in tragedy after being murdered by a rival gang. It’s a raw and powerful reminder of the realities law enforcement faces — not just professionally, but personally. (Check out this other powerful podcast about this story- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-brothers-ortiz/id1858078657)

This is more than a career story.
 It’s about leadership, loss, resilience, and the unwavering commitment to serve.

You don’t want to miss this one.

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