Road Rangers Provide Valuable Service Daily
Quick action by Road Ranger Christopher Thomas on Friday helped reunite a family with a loved one. [Read more…] about Road Ranger Helps Locate Person the Focus of a Silver Alert—Missing/Lost
Florida Highway Patrol
Governor Ron DeSantis Delivers Keynote Address at the Florida Highway Patrol 141st Recruit Class Graduation
This Year Marks the 80th Anniversary of the Florida Highway Patrol
Governor Ron DeSantis today delivered the keynote address at the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) 141st Recruit Class graduation. [Read more…] about Governor Ron DeSantis Delivers Keynote Address at the Florida Highway Patrol 141st Recruit Class Graduation
Florida Sends 25 FHP Vehicles to Puerto Rico to Aid in Recovery
Governor Rick Scott today announced that Florida has donated 25 Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) vehicles to the Puerto Rico Police Department to support law enforcement needs and Hurricane Maria recovery.
Governor Scott said, “Since Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico last year, I have visited the island six times to offer guidance, assistance and support. We’ve made it a priority in Florida to aid Puerto Rico in their recovery from this devastating storm. I’m glad that the Florida Highway Patrol, on behalf of Floridians, has stepped up and honored a request to provide additional surplus police cruisers to the island. These 25 vehicles will assist law enforcement efforts as they work to rebuild. We will continue to do all we can to support Puerto Rico’s recovery.”
This announcement is part of a continued commitment from the state of Florida to assist Puerto Rico as they recover from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Maria. The vehicles had been out of circulation and were ready for surplus before they were donated. Per the state’s replacement criteria, FHP law enforcement vehicles may be taken out of circulation when they reach 80,000 miles or are eight years old. In November, 50 FHP troopers were deployed to Puerto Rico for one month to assist the Puerto Rico Police Department with security operations and traffic control needs.
“The Florida Highway Patrol is proud to continue assisting the Puerto Rico Police Department following Hurricane Maria,” said Colonel Gene Spaulding, Director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “These donated vehicles are another way Florida is supporting the people of Puerto Rico in their recovery.”
Actions taken by Governor Scott following Hurricane Maria:
- On September 28th, at the request of Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló, Governor Scott traveled to San Juan, Puerto Rico to help coordinate response and recovery efforts following Hurricane Maria.
- On October 5th, the Governor entered into a host-state agreement with FEMA – Florida is the only state willing to enter into this type of agreement to help families displaced by Hurricane Maria.
- On October 11th, Governor Scott met with Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen, Chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture Congressman Mike Conaway, Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security Congressman Michael McCaul, and Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón.
- On October 30th, the Governor’s office sent a letter to the Office of Management and Budget. See the letter HERE.
- On November 3rd, Governor Scott led a delegation of Florida utility providers to Puerto Rico at the invitation of Governor Ricardo Rosselló.
- On November 9th, the Governor activated the State Emergency Response Team to assist families displaced by Hurricane Maria. See the Governor’s press release HERE.
- On November 15th, the Governor sent a letter to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and House Speaker Paul Ryan urging them to support Florida’s efforts to support those displaced from Puerto Rico by Hurricane Maria. See the Governor’s letter HERE.
- On December 21st, Governor Scott spoke with Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón regarding Puerto Rico’s recovery from Hurricane Maria.
- On December 22nd, Governor Scott spoke with U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen regarding recovery efforts for Florida and Puerto Rico.
- On January 3rd, Governor Scott sent a letter to the United States Senate Committee on Appropriations urging the Senate to immediately pass a significant Hurricane Irma and Maria disaster relief package. See the Governor’s letter HERE.
- On January 11th, Governor Scott spoke with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Brock Long regarding the FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program and the importance of continued communication between federal, state and local partners as families continue to recover from Hurricane Maria.
- On January 12th, Governor Scott met with Governor Ricardo Rosselló and joined him for a Puerto Rico recovery town hall meeting to discuss ongoing relief efforts.
- On January 24th, Governor Scott, Texas Governor Greg Abbott, California Governor Jerry Brown and Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló issued a joint letter urging the U.S. Senate to improve and expeditiously pass supplemental disaster funding, and for Congress to send the bill to the President. See the letter HERE.
- On February 5th, Governor Scott visited Puerto Rico with Governor Ricardo Rosselló to assist with ongoing Hurricane Maria recovery efforts.
- On February 7th, Governor Scott spoke with FEMA Administrator Brock Long regarding Governor Scott’s recent trip to Puerto Rico.
- On February 7th, Governor Scott announced a new partnership to connect families displaced by Hurricane Maria with jobs in Florida. See the announcement HERE.
- On March 5th, Governor Scott traveled to Puerto Rico to meet with Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón and attend the Puerto Rico State of the State Address.
- On April 18th, Governor Scott met with Congresswoman Jenniffer González-Colón in Washington D.C. to discuss how Florida is working to help Puerto Rican evacuees in the state.
- On April 18th, Governor Scott also spoke with FEMA Administrator Brock Long to discuss the FEMA Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program and the importance of keeping the FEMA case managers the Governor previously requested on the ground across the state.
- On May 18th, Governor Scott announced that Florida Department of Education Commissioner Pam Stewart would travel to Puerto Rico on May 20th to meet with Puerto Rico Department of Education Secretary Dr. Julie Keleher and offer continued guidance and support. See the Governor’s announcement HERE.
- On May 31st, Governor Scott traveled to Puerto Rico at the invitation of Puerto Rico Governor Ricardo Rosselló to continue to offer guidance, advice and assistance regarding ongoing Hurricane Maria recovery efforts. During his visit, Governor Scott met with Governor Rosselló, Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State Luis G. Rivera-Marin, and Speaker of the House Carlos Johnny Méndez.
138th basic recruit class graduates from FHP Training Academy
Florida Highway Patrol welcomes 71 new Troopers to the road
The 138th basic recruit class of the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) today graduated from the FHP Training Academy. These 71 Troopers join the more than 1,900 Troopers who patrol Florida’s roads each day to provide safety and security to residents and visitors. Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis delivered the keynote address to FHP’s newest Troopers.
CFO and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis said, “Law enforcement professionals are the fabric of our community and play an integral part in Florida’s future. It was an honor to be with the newest class of FHP professionals today and I will continue to do everything possible to support this community.”
Members of the 138th basic recruit class went through 28 weeks of intense physical and classroom training covering topics including defensive tactics, law, vehicle operations, firearms and first aid. While at the FHP Training Academy, recruits also participated in several community service activities, including blood drives and volunteering to help those living with developmental disabilities.
“These Florida Highway Patrol Troopers have made a heroic commitment to serve the state of Florida,” said DHSMV Executive Director Terry L. Rhodes. “In the face of challenges and uncertain times, they have made the selfless decision to always answer the call to help those in need, and I am extremely proud to welcome the 138th Recruit Class.”
“It is a privilege to welcome our newest recruit class to the ranks of trooper,” said Colonel Gene S. Spaulding, Director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “These men and women will carry on the Patrol’s dedication of Courtesy, Service and Protection for the residents and visitors of Florida.”
Upon reporting to their duty stations, the new Troopers will be placed with a certified Field Training Officer (FTO). Troopers will work in tandem with their FTO for 10 to 14 weeks prior to being released to solo duty.
The FHP is currently recruiting. Those looking for an exciting career in law enforcement have endless possibilities within the ranks of the Patrol. From Pensacola to the Florida Keys, FHP allows you to make a career where you call home. Opportunities and openings are statewide. FHP is now hiring for the 141st basic recruit class starting October 2018. To learn more about Florida’s finest, visit BeATrooper.com or contact FHP’s Recruitment Office at 850-617-2307.
Florida Highway Patrol Announces Trooper Graduation Ceremony
MEDIA ADVISORY
The Florida Highway Patrol’s 71 newest troopers from the 138th Basic Recruit Class will graduate from the Florida Highway Patrol Training Academy Friday morning.
What: 138th Recruit Class graduation
Who: Florida Chief Financial Officer, Jimmy Patronis
DHSMV Executive Director, Terry L. Rhodes
FHP Director, Colonel Gene Spaulding
When: Friday, May 11, 2018
10 a.m. EDT
Where: Christian Heritage Church
2820 Sharer Road
Tallahassee, Florida
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles provides highway safety and security through excellence in service, education and enforcement. The Department is leading the way to a safer Florida through the efficient and professional execution of its core mission: the issuance of driver licenses, vehicle tags and titles and operation of the Florida Highway Patrol.
Commissioner Adam Putnam to Address Florida Highway Patrol’s 137th Recruit Class at Graduation
MEDIA ADVISORY
Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam tomorrow will address Florida Highway Patrol’s 137th Basic Recruit Class at their graduation ceremony.
Event: 137th Recruit Class graduation
Date: Friday, Dec. 15, 2017
Time: 10 a.m.
Location: Christian Heritage Church
2820 Sharer Rd.
Tallahassee, Fla.
Gov. Rick Scott Directs Additional Florida Highway Patrol Officers to Seminole Heights
To assist the Tampa Police Department’s efforts to keep the Seminole Heights neighborhood safe, Governor Rick Scott today directed the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) to deploy additional officers to the area. These officers will work with the Tampa Police Department to enhance their efforts in patrolling the neighborhood to increase safety. The deployment of FHP Troopers is in addition to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s (FDLE) Tampa Bay Regional Operations Center who has a squad of agents assigned to neighborhood canvassing. FDLE also has agents assigned to vet leads and is providing analytical assistance. FDLE lab analysts continue to process numerous items of evidence. FDLE has also contributed $10,000 to the Crime Stoppers reward.
Governor Scott said, “Safety is our top priority, and we are glad to provide additional state resources from the Florida Highway Patrol and FDLE to the Tampa Police Department to assist in their efforts. I have spoken with Tampa Police Chief Brian Dugan and Mayor Bob Buckhorn to offer any resources they may need from the State of Florida. Everyone in the area should continue to listen to local law enforcement who have been working day and night to keep families safe. I am fully confident that our brave law enforcement will bring whoever is responsible for these senseless acts to justice. Our hearts break for the victims of these crimes and their loved ones. Today, we are making it clear – Florida has zero tolerance for violence and crime, and we will stop at nothing to keep our communities safe.”
Gov. Scott: Florida Highway Patrol Deploys Law Enforcement Assistance to Puerto Rico
Governor Rick Scott today announced the deployment of 50 Florida Highway Patrol members to Puerto Rico in response to an Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) request from the Puerto Rico Police Department. Troopers participating in this detail will be conducting security operations and traffic control in and around the city of San Juan. The detail is scheduled to last one month.
Governor Scott said, “Florida remains committed to helping Puerto Rico after the devastation of Hurricane Maria. In response to their request, we are sending 50 FHP troopers to assist the Puerto Rican Police Department with their security operations and traffic control needs. I want to thank these brave men and women for sacrificing time away from their families during Thanksgiving to serve in Puerto Rico. We will continue to work with state, federal and local partners to assist Puerto Rico in any way that we can.”
Director of the Florida Highway Patrol Colonel Gene S. Spaulding said, “I am extremely thankful for the Troopers who have volunteered to be away from their families during Thanksgiving to assist our brothers and sisters in Puerto Rico. I’m proud of the men and women of FHP who always rise to the occasion, and I am confident that they will continue to uphold the Patrol’s core values of courtesy, service and protection.”
As part of its mission and statutory authority, the FHP routinely provides assistance to fellow law enforcement agencies following natural disasters or emergencies, and will not overextend its available resources or jeopardize its ability to respond to a current or emergent need.
Gov. Scott: FHP Continues to Escort Fuel Trucks to Gas Stations Across Florida
At Governor Scott’s direction, the Florida Highway Patrol continues to escort fuel resupply trucks so fuel is quickly delivered to communities across Florida. The US Coast Guard approved opening Port Everglades and Port Tampa Bay earlier today and fuel tankers are being given top priority as FHP stands ready to provide traffic escorts.
Statement from Governor Scott on the Death of FHP Sgt. William Trampas Bishop
Governor Rick Scott today released the below statement following the heartbreaking death of Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Sergeant William Trampas Bishop last night.
Governor Scott said, “We are heartbroken to learn of the death of 30-year veteran FHP Trooper Sergeant William Trampas Bishop while on duty in Alachua County. Ann and I are praying for Sergeant Bishop’s family and loved ones during this very difficult time. Our thoughts are also with the entire Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and Florida Highway Patrol family as they grieve the loss of Sergeant Bishop. Every day, Florida’s law enforcement officers put their lives on the line to protect and serve Florida families. This terrible loss is a somber reminder of the work our brave law enforcement officers do to keep us safe.”
