Troop F Details

All of the Football Detail pictures and information have been moved to a new page.

Clewiston Unit Instructs Safety at Lake Placid Fair!

Lt. Montie Dowling, Larry the Dummy, Trp. Robby Brooks and Trp. Chris Reynolds (pictured left) of the Clewiston Unit used the Rollover Simulator to demonstrate the effects of failure to use seatbelts at the Annual Lake Placid Country Fair. There was a record crowd this year with an estimated 5000 in attendance. The boys were kept busy!!!

Clewiston Unit has a busy weekend!!

Last weekend was a busy one for the Clewiston Unit. On Fri night, Trp. Chris Reynolds( Clewiston Unit) and Trp. Joe Filice( Bradenton Unit) participated in the Wauchula Friday Night Live which is held in downtown Wauchula and is well attended by the local folks. The theme of the event was public safety, and Chris and Joe used the FHP golf cart and the DUI goggles to demonstrate the effects of driving while intoxicated. We will attend the event again in June and use the rollover simulator to demonstrate the use of seatbelts.

On Sat morning, Lt. Montie Dowling and Trp. Ron Buckley assisted the Lake Placid Police Department with traffic control for the Inaugural Alex Barajas 5K Run. This event was in honor of a high school student who lost his life last year to cancer.

Bradenton Unit - Seat Belt Detail

Trooper Anzelone at Equipment Check Point On Saturday January 21st the Bradenton Unit FHP & FHPA members held a "Seat Belt Detail" Tpr. Barbara Ehrhart (Unit Instructor), Sgt. Edwards, Cpl. McInturff, Cpl Highsmith, Tpr. Kiner, Tpr. Gonzalez, Tpr. Burgman, Tpr. Menzies. FHPA: Sgt. Noel, Tpr. Gologanoff & Tpr. Stevens worked the detail.

49 Seatbelt violations, 1 Driving while suspended/revoked, 1 Child Restraint, 4 No Proof of Insurance and 7 "Other" Violations.

Clewiston Unit at "Touch a Plane, Touch a Truck"

On Saturday A/Lt Montie Dowling, Trp John Paikai and A/Trp Robby Brooks participated in the Touch a Plane, Touch a Truck event at the Sebring Airport. The event highlited law enforcement, emergency, fire and many other community organizations and was designed to allow children and their families to see and sit in the vehicles which are used by these organizations. It also allowed the FHP/FHPA to demonstrate the rollover simulator and hand out brochures, coloring books and other items. Appriximately 1,000 people attended this function.

Clewiston Unit at Sarasota Academy

On Wednesday, 11/16, A/Lt Montie Dowling assisted Lt Greg Bueno, Trp Lucy Papp and Trp Kenny Watson at a safety event at the Sarasota Military Academy. About 150 students participated in driving an ATV thru a course while wearing DUI goggles, doing field sobriety tests with the goggles and viewing the rollover simulator demonstration. The school was very appreciative of our efforts.

Also on Friday night, 11/11, all members of the Clewiston Unit participated in a DUI Checkpoint in Sebring. The briefing was at 8:30pm and the checkpoint started at 10pm. Auxiliary troopers made up a third of the force, and filled critical positions at the event. There were three arrests, and many mechanical and legal problems were found. The FHP were very appreciative of the unit's help.

Clewiston Unit works Bike Rodeo - Lake Placid

The event of the day is the annual Lake Placid Police Department Bike Rodeo, at which kids were given helmets and had to complete a course to show biking proficiency. Assisting the LPPD and handing out FHP brochures and candy are l to r: Sgt. Scott Hull, A/Trp. Chris Reynolds and Trp. John Paikai. Trp. Reynolds' daughter and friend wore the crash dummy costumes. Over 300 people attended the event.

Clewiston Unit Supports Fall Festival

On Saturday, October 29th Auxiliary Trooper Ron Buckley participated in the Lake Placid Fall Festival held each year by the Lake Placid Merchants Association as an alternative to neighborhood trick or treat. Pictured with Ron is Aubry Reynolds, daughter of A/Trooper Chris Reynolds, also of the Clewiston Unit

Clewiston Members Attend Oktoberfest

On Saturday, October 15th, Tpr. Ron Buckley and Lt. Montie Dowling of the Clewiston Unit, and Trp. Joe Filice of the Bradenton Unit, manned a tent at the Avon Park Oktoberfest and Car Show where they handed out FHP brochures and other promotional materials. They also used the rollover simulator to demonstrate the need for wearing seat belts. About 500 people attended the event.

Clewiston Unit Supports Lake Placid PD

On Saturday, August 27, Trp. Brooks, Trp. Buckley, Trp. Reynolds and Lt. Dowling assisted the Lake Placid PD with traffic control for the annual Caladium Festival 5K Run. The LPPD do not have enough personnel to adequately cover the run route, so our unit is very valuable to assist with this effort. LPP Chief Williams said: "We could not do it without your help." They not only depend on our personnel, but also the FHP patrol cars to block intersections. We continue to keep the FHP/FHPA visible in our community.

Tpr. Brooks Tpr. Buckley Tpr. Reynolds Lt. Dowling

On June 17th, Lt. Montie Dowling, Clewiston Unit Commander, gave a presentation on DUI and seatbelts to the Sebring High School Driver Education Class. They then moved to the parking lot to attempt to navigate a course, in a golf cart, while wearing the "drunk" goggles. They were greatly impacted by the effect that DUI has on their ability to drive.

Clewiston Members Attend Safety Day

On October 9, Trooper Chris Reynolds and Trooper Joe Felice manned a booth at the Sebring K Mart Safety Day. They handed out FHP promotional brochures and safety materials to about 150 people.

Clewiston Support the Smoak 5K Run & Fun Day

They demonstrated the rollover simulator and handed out FHP brochures at the Mason Smoak 5K Run and Fun Day in Lake Placid on Saturday, Oct. 8th. About 500 people attended this event.

Pictured left to right are Trp Robby Brooks, Lt. Montie Dowling and Trp Chris Reynolds of the Clewiston Unit.

Clewiston Unit gets "drunk" at Lake Placid County Fair

The Clewiston Unit used the FHP golf cart and the "drunk" goggles to demonstrate the affect of alcohol on driving at the annual Lake Placid Country Fair, which was held on Sat 2/5 and Sun 2/6.

Pictured L to R: Trp. Joe Filice (Bradenton Unit), Jonathan Soto (new recruit) and Clewiston Unit members Trp. Robby Brooks, Trp. Chris Reynolds and Lt. Montie Dowling. Not pictured: Trp. Ron Buckley.

Bradenton Unit conducts Seat Belt Detail

The Bradenton Unit conducted a Seat Belt detail at State Road 70 and State Road 45 on Saturday January 21st. 82 vehicles were vehicles were sited for not using their seat belt, 6 were sited for driving while license suspended/revoked, 3 were sited for no valid driver license, 6 sited for no proof of insurance and 6 others were sited. A total of 103 arrests, 3 written warnings and 4 faulty equipment notices. Members participating were: FHP: Lt. C. Miller, Cpl. D. McInturff, Cpl. R. Highsmith, Tpr. B. Ehrhart, Tpr. C. Miller, Tpr. B. Fitzpatrick. FHPA: Capt. A. Ehrhart, Sgt. J. Noel, Tpr. M. Sullivan, Tpr. J. Filice, Tpr. C. Gologanoff. Good Job Guys!!!!

On November 6th Trp. Chris Reynolds, of the Clewiston Unit, with the help of his daughter and a friend posing as Larry and Vince, the crash dummies, assisted the Lake Placid Police Department with their annual bike rodeo. Trp. Reynolds distributed many FHP promotional items and helped the bikers as they navigated a course which challenged their riding abilities. The LPPD was very appreciative of Trp. Reynolds' assistance and asked us to help with the rodeo next year.

Ft. Myers/Naples Unit Participates at Aviation Day

Under beautiful sunny skies the Ft. Myers/Naples unit took part in Aviation Day November 14th at Page Field in Ft. Myers. Almost marred by the crash of a restored antique biplane (minor Injuries) shortly after opening, a record crowd was in attendance. Unit members Capt. John Rumsey, Lt. Dave Bush, Sgt. Rob Aponte, Tpr. Ed Morgan, and Tpr. Richard Stevens, manned the FHPA recruiting booth and assisted FHP Tpr. Lucy Papp with the rollover trailer and "beer" goggles.

Using the command bus unit members met hundreds of attendees and promoted Auxiliary membership. Thanks to Tpr. Papp we were able to give free to every visitor a tire guage or water bottle. We talked to people from a number of other states and numerous foreign countries. Many were current or retired law enforcement. Lots of FHPA literature was distributed and at the end of a very hard day all members felt that the public relations factor was excellent and many people had a better understanding of what the Auxiliary is all about.

Venice Troopers & Auxiliary Team Up For Equipment Checkpoint.

On Tuesday January 22nd Seven Auxiliary Troopers and Six Troopers teamed up to conduct a very effective Equipment Checkpoint in Charlotte County. 130 vehicles, 48 total contacts. 1 seatbelt violation, 3 driving w/suspended license, 1 unsafe equipment and 13 'other'. A total of 19 arrest, 16 written warnings and 19 faulty equipment notices. To see all the pictures, go to the "Photo Gallery" page or click here.

On November 6th the Clewiston Unit assisted the Lake Placid Police Department with a 5K run and demonstrated the rollover simulator at the Mason G. Smoak Foundation Fun Day at Devane Park in Lake Placid. The unit handed out many FHP promotional items and over 200 people viewed the positive impact the rollover made for wearing seatbelts. The kids really enjoyed sitting in a patrol car and operating the lights and siren. Pictured left to right are: Recruit Jonathan Soto, Lt. Montie Dowling, Trp. Ron Buckley and Trp. Joe Felice, of the Bradenton Unit. And of course, Larry and Vince, the crash dummies.

Clewiston & Ft. Myers A/men work DUI Checkpoint in LeBelle Florida.

Lt. Montie Dowling and Trp. Ron Buckley worked the DUI checkpoint in LaBelle last night, May 21st. They arrived at the Hendry County Sheriff's Office at 9:30pm for the briefing.

There were three other A-men, all from Ft. Myers, plus about 20 FHP troopers, SO deputies, DOT and four observers from the State Attorney's office. They set up at a Shell station about two miles south of LaBelle on Hwy 29 and started the check at 11pm. Since it was a first for both Clewiston members, it was a great experience. The detail arrested about eight folks for DUI and other violations, and towed about six vehicles. The checkpoint ended at 2:30am, and Montie and Ron arrived back in Lake Placid about 4am. They hope to be involved in many more in the future. Good Job Guys!!!!

Lake Placid Soapbox Derby Races

On Saturday, March 20, Lt. Montie Dowling and Trp. Chris Reynolds, of the Clewiston Unit, participated in the Lake Placid Cub Scout Soapbox Derby races. They are shown here arresting Vince, the crash dummy, for reckless driving of one of the race cars. It was a fun day for all, and the FHPA presence was appreciated.

Lake Placid Merchants' Party

On March 5th, Lt. Montie Dowling and Trp. Chris Reynolds demonstrated the rollover exhibit at the Lake Placid Merchants' Street Party. This is a monthly event where the merchants block off Interlake Blvd. and have a festive outing inviting the residents to come downtown to enjoy food, activities and entertainment.

Peace River Electric Picnic

On March 6th the Clewiston Unit worked a detail at the Peace River Electric Co-op annual shareholders picnic. We parked cars for over 1500 participants and then enjoyed the food and festivities of the picnic. We also helped Lt. Chris Miller man the rollover exhibit. Pictured L to R are: Trp. Dave McGee, Cpl. Tim Burcher, Lt. Montie Dowling, Trp. Chris Reynolds and Lt. Chris Miller.

Highlands Country Fair

Here we are at the Lake Placid Country Fair Feb 6th & 7th. Left to right: Sgt Dave McGee, Lt Montie Dowling, Tpr Lucy Papp, Tpr Robby Brooks, Tpr Chris Reynolds and Lt Chris Miller. This was a great visual, especially for the kids.

On Wednesday, August 15th the "FLOWmobile" (Florida Licensing On Wheels) bus came to North Port (just outside of Venice) to show off and offer services to the North Port Community. This being a good opportunity to do some recruiting for both the FHP and FHPA, we set up shop right next door. Trooper Linda Popanz, FHP Recruiter for Troop F and A/Lt. John Prescott, Auxiliary Recruiter for Troop F along with A/Capt. Wade Osborn, A/Sgt. Don Cannon, Trooper Ed Pope and a number of other Troopers that stopped by were there to meet and greet anyone that might be interested in joining the FHP/FHPA. Here are some pictures of that event:

2007 African-American Spring Break Detail -- Daytona Beach, Florida

Over the weekend of March 30 - April 1st over 70 members of the Florida Highway Patrol Auxiliary from all over the state traveled to Daytona Beach to participate in providing police services and traffic management for the African-American Spring Break activities. Six members of Troop F participated. Auxiliary members Lt. John Prescott, Lt. Matt Fineman, Trooper Wade Osborn, Trooper Pat Flynn and Trooper Jim Knowlton joined Trooper Allan Williams (Venice Unit Instructor) for an interesting weekend. We were housed at the Perry's Ocean Edge Resort again this year. Fortunately for the city of Daytona Beach the student participation was less then expected so law enforcement was at a minimum. Since our posts (Troop F) were a bit off the beaten path, the detail was looking like it was going to be a bit slow also. Trooper Williams and A/Trooper Pat Flynn were stationed just up the road from A/Lt. Prescott and A/Trooper Osborn. Trooper Williams, ever thinking, decided that we could use this time to enforce traffic safety ordinances. So, they set up and ran radar for the traffic exiting and entering the beach areas. When a motorist was clocked exceeding the speed limit or observed playing music at an excessive level, Trooper Williams or A/Trooper Pat Flynn would use a private "talk around" channel to alert the next station so a stop could be made and a warning was issued. If a more serious violation was observed, Trooper Williams moved to that station and issued a citation. By the end of the day, 57 warnings were issued and 5 citations. Assisting in the activities was A/Trooper Jerry Gentry from Troop G in Jacksonville. All-in-all it was an enjoyable day of enforcement.


A/Trooper Flynn (left) and A/Trooper Gentry (far right) watch suspect as Trooper Williams and A/Trooper Osborn search his vehicle.	Trooper Williams explains the citations to a suspect and why he will not be allowed to drive his vehicle as A/Trooper Flynn and A/Trooper Osborn observe.