AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is proud to announce that Corporal Kaleb Rains (Eastland) has earned the Jimmy K. Ammons Grand Champion Award at the 2026 North American Inspectors Championship (NAIC). This is the highest honor awarded to a commercial motor vehicle roadside inspector in North America, recognizing exceptional skill, professionalism and dedication to road safety. This is also the second year in a row DPS has won this distinct honor.
Corporal Rains was recognized as this year’s Grand Champion by Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) President Maj. Erick McGuire of the Florida Highway Patrol. The event was held from Aug. 10–14, in Pittsburgh, Pa., bringing together 47 of the top inspectors from across the U.S., Canada and Mexico to compete in NAIC, the only North American event dedicated to commercial motor vehicle inspector excellence. Corporal Rains’ commitment to public safety and his exceptional skill and professionalism as a commercial vehicle inspector,” said DPS Colonel “This honor reflects Freeman F. Martin. “Our department is extremely proud of his achievement and the way he represents DPS and our entire state on one of the biggest stages in commercial vehicle enforcement.”
In addition to being named Grand Champion, Corporal Rains received the High Points Award – United States, as the top-scoring U.S. inspector. He further distinguished himself with strong performances in multiple categories, including: First Place – Hazardous Materials/Dangerous Goods and Cargo Tank/ Bulk Packaging Inspection First Place – Passenger Carrier Vehicle Inspection Third Place – North American Standard Level I Inspection (the most commonly performed 37step inspection) NAIC competitors undergo rigorous testing across six inspection categories over two days, performing mock roadside inspections on commercial vehicles, identifying violations and applying advanced safety protocols under timed, real-world scenarios. The competition also provides cutting edge training on the latest safety technologies, hazardous materials regulations, post-crash inspections and more—skills competitors take back to their home jurisdictions to enhance roadway safety.
