MILNER, JOE EDWARD (1931 ~ ). Joe Edward Milner was born on December 13, 1931 in Pineland, Texas. Growing up in East Texas, Milner graduated from Goliad High School and joined the Navy where he served from 1949 to 1950.
Milner also served in the U. S. Naval Reserve from 1950 to 1954, where he attained the rank of Seaman 1st Class. Milner attended Sam Houston State University, the University of Texas at Austin, and Northwestern University. On October 11, 1954, Milner began working for the Texas Department of Public Safety.
In the 37 years he worked for the DPS, Milner served as a Trooper, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Chief of the Traffic Law Enforcement Division, Assistant Director, Director and Chief of the Texas Rangers. Milner was also commissioned as a special Texas Ranger.
In his tenure at the DPS, Milner created and implemented many programs that revolutionized Texas law enforcement. Some of these programs are: Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems, training for uniform officers in drug interdiction, DNA testing on criminal evidence submitted law enforcement agencies across Texas and the alcohol breath testing program. Milner also appointed the first black trooper and Texas Ranger.
Information provided by Milner and Texas State Cemetery file materials. |