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In God We Trust,
All Others Are Run
Through NCIC
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Scenes
from around Troop F. |
Troop F
FHP & FHPA Executive Staff Meet Quarterly.
On Wednesday February 1st the FHP
District Commanders met with the FHPA Unit Commanders
and Major's Vazquez & Prescott to exchange ideas and
concerns. Major Prescott began the meeting outlining the
auxiliary activity for 2011. With over 11,800 hours
volunteered in Troop F and 7,700 of that in the 'right
front seat', LSP or other patrol functions, the numbers
were impressive. We traveled over 63,000 miles in 2011
patrolling LSP. We also spent 1,850 hours in training.
Since these numbers are not readily available to the
District Commanders, it was welcome information. It was
agreed that we would meet each quarter.
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FLORIDA’S GOVERNOR AND
CABINET RECOGNIZE TROOPER OF THE YEAR
~ Stevens receives distinguished award ~
 TALLAHASSEE,
Fla. -
The
Florida Cabinet honored Cpl. Cale Stevens today when they named
him the Florida Highway Patrol’s 2011 Trooper of the Year.
Stevens is assigned to FHP’s Troop F in Venice, Fla., and has
been with the Patrol for 12 years. His quick actions saved a
man’s life.
"Corporal Stevens’ heroic actions clearly demonstrate his
commitment to public safety," said Pam Bondi, Florida Attorney
General. "We are extremely proud to honor him as the 2011
Trooper of the Year."
On July 22, 2010, at 12:45 p.m., Stevens was off duty getting
a haircut when he heard a crash. He went to investigate the
origin of the sound and discovered that a traffic crash had
occurred outside the business. As he approached a vehicle with
front-end damage, he asked an onlooker to call 911 to report the
crash. Stevens observed an unresponsive driver slumped over in
the driver’s seat. He assessed the driver’s injuries and could
not locate a pulse, so he enlisted the assistance of a
bystander, who helped him remove the driver from the vehicle
onto the pavement where he could perform CPR. The subject began
breathing, and Stevens was able to detect a slight pulse.
Stevens continued to assess the driver’s condition until
emergency services arrived. Had it not been for Stevens’ quick
response, the driver may not have survived the crash.
"Corporal Stevens showed great initiative while off-duty to
assist this person in need," said Colonel David Brierton,
director of the Florida Highway Patrol. "He showed a deep
concern for his fellow man, which clearly embodies the Florida
Highway Patrol’s values of courtesy, service and protection."
The Florida Petroleum Council developed the Trooper of the
Year award program more than 40 years ago to recognize
troopers who go above and beyond the call of duty.
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Trooper Mike Sullivan takes over as Troop F Auxiliary Quarter
Master.
Trooper Michael
Sullivan will function as the Troop F Quarter Master. In that role he will
be responsible for obtaining and distributing uniform items for current
and new members of the Auxiliary in Troop F. If you need his services
you should contact your supervisor.
|
 Lieutenant
Colonel Danny Barber Appointed Director FHPA
Lt. Colonel Danny Barber was appointed to the FHPA in 1980
and promoted to the Command Staff in 1993. Through his
nearly 30 year career with the FHPA, he served in each
leadership position in Troop L and is currently responsible
for Field Operations from Troops D, E, F, K and L. in south
and central Florida. He holds an Associate Degree in
Business Administration and works as a District Manager
Publix Supermarkets with responsibility for more than 2,000
associates. Lt. Colonel Barber serves on the Board of
Directors of the Florida Highway Patrol Auxiliary
Foundation. He resides in Palm Beach, Florida. Lt. Colonel
Barber has just been appointed as the Director of the
Auxiliary and assumed command of the activities and
management of all Auxiliary personnel in the State of
Florida.
|
 Chief
Herb Sheheane Appointed Commander of the North Florida Troops
FHPA
Chief Herb
Sheheane joined the FHPA in 2006 serving in Troop H and
Headquarters. He was promoted to Lieutenant in Troop Q in June
of 2007 and Major in Troop Q in April of 2008 where he worked
with both FHP and FHPA Command staff on legislative issues with
the Florida Legislature. Chief Sheheane's current responsibility
for the Office of Public & Legislative Affairs. He also works as
a liaison between the FHP and the FHPA. Chief Sheheane is a
retired Vice President of AT&T's Florida Government Affairs
Operations. He currently serves as President and CEO of the
Sweetwater Consulting Group in Tallahassee, FL. He is also a
graduate of Leadership Florida. He resides in Quincy, Florida.
Chief Sheheane is responsible for Field Operations for the
Northern Region. Including Troops A, B, C, G and H.
|
 Chief
Pat Bradley Appointed Commander of the South Florida Troops FHPA
Chief Pat Bradley joined the
FHPA on July 23, 1987 in Troop L where he served in the capacity
of Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Caption. He served as the Troop L
Major since July 2000. A native resident of Lake Worth (Palm
Beach County). He is currently certified as Level 4 and as a
Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST). He is also a CJSTC
General CMS Instructor. Chief Bradley serves on the FHPA Board
of Directors for the FHPA Foundation. He holds an Associate
Degree in Accounting. For the past 27 years he have been with
the Palm Beach County Constitutional Tax Collector's Office as
Operations Compliance Officer.
Chief Pat Bradley has been
appointed to command the Southern Region of the FHPA.
Chief Bradley is responsible for Field Operations for the
Southern Region. Including Troops D, E, F, K and L.
|
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Capt.
Prescott Promoted to Auxiliary Major - Troop F
Capt. John J. Prescott
was promoted to Auxiliary Major at a ceremony in Bradenton
on Tuesday March 19th. In his comments, Major Vazquez said:
"As the Executive Officer (Capt. Prescott) designed and
managed the Troop F web site as well as designed and
produced marketing and recruitment print material to enhance
the patrols recruitment efforts for the Auxiliary.
Additionally, he designed a statewide recruitment program
and has been responsible for managing new member applicants
and processing. He also served as the Troop F Acting Major
for numerous months prior to receiving his current
promotion. Please join me as we congratulate Major John J.
Prescott on a well-deserved promotion! We are really
thankful to have him on our Troop F Team."
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%20(350%20x%20488).jpg)
Clewiston Unit Remembers 9/11
On
Saturday, September 10, Trp. Chris Reynolds and Lt.
Montie Dowling of the Clewiston Unit represented the FHP
at the Lake Placid American Legion 9/11 remembrance
ceremony. Lt. Dowling and each branch of law
enforcement, EMS and fire fighters were asked to give a
short talk on what the 9/11 event meant to them.
%20(350%20x%20162).jpg) |
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Troop F
OMCC Member Transition Training.
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This past week members of the Office of
Motor Vehicle Compliance conducted a 40 hour transition course
to become Florida State Troopers. On Monday Major Vazquez
welcomed the men and woman joining the FHP. Lt. Rippy was
responsible for the training and the FHPA was given one hour to
talk about the Auxiliary and how we may assist the new troopers.
Major Prescott gave a power point presentation and Lt. Dave Bush
talked to the class. On Thursday Colonel Brierton discussed the
transition and answered questions. He then gave the oath of
office to the new members. |
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FHPA State Wide Teleconference.
The Florida Highway Patrol Auxiliary had
the opportunity on Saturday, July 9th to try out the new
teleconference facility that has been placed in each troop
around the state. Seven Troop F FHPA members attended. The
meeting was a great success as a way to share ideas about the
future of the Auxiliary. |
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Troop A conducts Auxiliary Academy.
Troop A in Northwest Florida is in the
process of conducting the 320 hour Auxiliary Basic Recruit
Class. Firearms students and instructors are shown. left to
right...A/Major Ron Scott, Recruit Jimmy Criswell, Recruit Mike
Thornton, Recruit Bill Chavers, Recruit Doug Brim, Recruit Chris
Mitchell, CPL Richard Noiseux, CPL Ben Glass. |
| Ft.
Myers Unit Works the 'Contraflow' Exercise Saturday
, June 11, 2011 members of the Naples/Ft. Myers unit
participated in the annual DOT Contraflow exercise. This yearly
exercise simulates what would happen to Alligator Ally if either
the East Coast or West Coast had to be evacuated because of an
impending hurricane or other natural disaster. In cooperation
with the DOT, their maintenance contractors, State Emergency
Management, and FHP units from Collier, Broward, and Lee
counties, FHPA members assisted by manning crossroads along the
Ally as all four lanes were made one way. This would provide
maximum egress for vehicles evacuating the area about to
experience a major event.
Representing Naples/Ft. Myers FHPA during the six hour
exercise were Lt. Dave Bush, Sgt. Rob Aponte, Tpr. Jim Larson,
and Tpr. Richard Stevens.
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Clewiston Unit Busy Meeting the Public
On June 1, 2011 Lt. Montie Dowling,
Clewiston Unit Commander, made a presentation on seat belts
and demonstrated the rollover simulator at the monthly
safety meeting of Progress Energy of Highlands County.
On June 3, 2011 Lt. Montie Dowling, Clewiston Unit
Commander, gave a presentation, handed out FHP information and demonstrated DUI
using the "drunk" goggles at the U.S. Air Force Avon Park Bombing Range Safety
Day. Pictured L to R are Lt. Col. Charles MacLaughlin, SSgt. Steven Jefferson
and Lt. Dowling.
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Lt.
David McGee Retires after 20 Years
On April 2nd the Clewiston Unit
celebrated the retirement of Lt. Dave McGee with a dinner
for seventeen members and guests at the Golden Corral in
Lake Placid. Dave honorably served the FHPA for twenty
one years, and we hate to see him go but wish him the best
in his retirement. Pictured is Dave on the left being
presented his retirement letter and badges by Lt. Montie
Dowling, Clewiston Unit Commander.
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 New
Colonel for FHP Announced
Lieutenant Colonel Brierton has
served the residents and visitors of Florida with
distinction as a member of the Patrol since September
1983. An Army veteran, he served as a member of
the Military Police prior to joining the FHP. He
is a graduate of Mountain State University with a
Bachelor of Science in Administration of Criminal
Justice, and has completed specialized training that
includes the 27th Command Officer Development Course
(Southern Police Institute)
and the 41st Chief Executive Seminar (Florida Criminal
Justice Executive Institute).
As a member of FHP, Lieutenant
Colonel Brierton served
as a trooper and a
sergeant in Miami-Dade County. In 1989, he was
promoted to lieutenant and relocated to Bradenton before
being promoted to captain in 1993 and returning to south
Florida where he supervised personnel in Palm Beach,
Broward, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties.
In 2003, he was promoted to
major and assigned to FHP Headquarters
to supervise Investigations and Professional
Compliance. In 2006 he rose to the rank of
lieutenant colonel with supervisory responsibilities for
Patrol Operations, Investigations, Contraband
Interdiction, Emergency Operations
and Homeland Security.
Throughout his law enforcement
career, Lieutenant Colonel Brierton has served with
tremendous dedication and distinction. With more
than 27 years of experience on the Patrol, he is
familiar with our proud history of courtesy, service and
protection, as well as the many challenges facing us
today and in the future. He is a strong advocate for our
members and the work they do on a daily basis, and he
has a proven track record of working collaboratively
with state and local law enforcement agencies throughout
Florida.
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What do
they do when not 10-8?
Our Auxiliary members have a diverse and interesting
life when not supporting the FHP. One example is Auxiliary
Trooper Brian Eurice of the Bradenton Unit. He is a commercial
pilot and works for a company that operates private jets for
hire. He travels all over the US taking VIPs and business
executives that can afford private transportation. Currently
Tpr. Eurice is in training on a new aircraft, the Gulfstream
200.
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Some
thoughts from Lt. Bush on the Funeral Detail Miami-Dade.
I thought I would share with all of you who could not attend
yesterdays funeral in Miami my thoughts about the day while they
are still fresh. Unfortunately we may have to repeat a day
similar to this for the two officers killed yesterday in St.
Petersburg.
The day started very early. Along with the FHP troopers the
Troop F Auxiliary members (Sgt. Rob Aponte, Tpr. Ed Morgan, Tpr
Cale Stevens, and myself) met at 6:00 A.M. at the Naples
station. Under the leadership of Lt. Sapp we traveled as a group
to the Miami FHP station arriving about 7:45a.m. We met up with
all of the area troopers and auxiliary troopers who would be
participating in the days activities. At a 9:00 a.m. briefing
the large group was divided into two units. Our assignment was
to provide a roadside salute on I-95 as the funeral procession
passed. Our cars were to be spaced every tenth of a mile along
I-95 facing out at a 45 degree angle. We were to stand by the
front of the car. Later we moved our group to a small park at a
marina near the arena where the funeral was held.
The funeral was late starting and the procession actually didn't
head for the cemetery until 4:30 P.M. We were able to
listen to the service on our AM radios. It was very moving
and sad to hear the various presenters speak. Some told humorous
stories about their personal experiences with the two officers
while others spoke of the sacrifice that they had made. It was
heart wrenching to listen to.
We later proceeded to our assigned spots about twenty minutes
ahead of the procession's arrival. Because of the large amount
of available units (I believe more than 60) we were able to
cover the entire six mile route on I-95 traveled by the
procession before they turned off for the cemetery. It was a
chilling sight as the more then a hundred motorcycles crested
the hill in advance of the hearses. We saluted as they passed at
5:00 P.M. Following were the hundreds of police vehicles that
escorted the officers to their final resting place. The last
vehicle went by at 5:50 P.M. and we were released for the trip
home.
It was a very long day. However, the tribute paid by the FHP and
FHPA members as the mourners passed was an inspiring sight and I
am certain we all traveled home feeling proud for what we had
done. Sadly, we may have to do this again in a few days.
Please be safe out there.....Lt. Dave Bush
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Major Ed Cleveland, Retired |
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Trooper Mary Wilson, Resigned. |
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Trooper Reuben Moore, Retired |
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Trooper David Childress, Resigned |
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Trooper Fernando Lamelas, Resigned |
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Trooper Leonardo Lamelas, Resigned |
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Trooper Richard Miller, to Level One -
civilian volunteer |
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Trooper Thad Stevens, Resigned |
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Trooper James Knowlton, Retired |
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Sgt. David McGee, Retired |
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Trooper Chad Bostak, Resigned |
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Message
received at GHQ -- Another Good Job Montie!!!!
From:
Rhonda Mitchell [mailto:kuffsnstuff812@embarqmail.com]
Sent: Friday, September 17, 2010 6:51 PM
To: FHP
Subject: Trooper Montie Dowling
Dear Sirs,
I felt the need to contact you to advise you of just how
much above and beyond Trooper Dowling went today for the
FHP! My mother is in her 60’s and my father is in his
70’s- neither of them are physically able to do much
especially when it comes to a roadside hazard. My mother
was on her way home this afternoon from running an
errand and the truck she was driving had an awful
blowout while she was traveling down Hwy 27 in Avon
Park. She was able to pull the truck off to the
side of the road and was able to call my father to come
to her aid. However, another wonderful man seen her pull
off the road having some kind of issue and turned his
cruiser around to go back to where she was to check on
her. He waited with her until my Father arrived and not
only did he stand by her side to give her comfort, he
pulled his car up behind her to keep anyone from hitting
them while they tried to replace the tire with a spare.
My parents were not able to unlock the spare tire, nor
were they able to get the lug nuts loosened enough to
get the tire off. Trooper Dowling was not about to let
my parents be there in distress- instead- HE, through a
lot of sweat and extreme heat, got the lug nuts to
finally loosen their hold, then changed the tire for
them to help them to be on their way. Its almost as if
he was in the right place at the right time today! I
myself am an officer with the Fla dept of Corrections so
I was overwhelmed with gratefulness to know that a Law
Enforcement Brother was able to be with my parents to
protect and help them in time of need when I couldn’t.
My mother called me tonite to tell me the WHOLE story
again * My Father had already shared* about this
wonderful guardian angel in brown that had appeared and
took care of them! The only thing Trooper Dowling would
accept from my parents was a handshake and a THANK YOU-
even though they wanted to buy him a cold soda seeing as
how he was soaked with sweat! I really do
appreciate this Trooper and all those like him that are
out here protecting us all from Bad things that do seem
to happen to really nice people! As I pray each day
before I go to work at the prison and as I give thanks
at the end of my shift each day- I will remember to give
thanks also for our state Troopers as well as other law
Enforcement. We all have to have each others backs
inside the walls and out on the streets!
Thank you again for this
Trooper as well as all the others! Thank you again
Trooper Dowling-maybe I can return the favor someday!
Take care and God Bless you!!!
Sincerely,
Rhonda L Mitchell/ Hardee CI
Recruitment Officer
6901 State Rd 62 Bowling Green
Fl 33834
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Clewiston Unit Supports "Miracle Field".
 On
Saturday 9/25 Lt. Montie Dowling (below) and Trp. Chris Reynolds
(left), of the Clewiston Unit, assisted the Lake Placid Police
Department with traffic control for a 5K run. The run was
a fundraiser for the Miracle Field, which is an athletic field
for the physically handicapped, and one of only a few in the
U.S.
 |
.jpg) Ft.
Myers Unit Supports Pink Heals Tour 2010.On
Saturday October 25th Trooper Phil Osborn and Lt. Dave Bush of
the Ft. Myers Unit took part in the PINK HEALS TOUR 2010 which
is in Naples. They escorted about 75 motorcycles and four pink
fire engines plus local fire units from the Broward County line
to exit 107 in Naples. This is a national tour that goes from
city to city promoting cancer awareness by linking up with local
groups and sponsors. The Naples sponsors included the North
Naples Professional Fire Fighters Local 2297, The Naples Daily
News, the Mercato shopping area and the Physicians Regional
Healthcare System. After a rally at the Naples Harley Davidson
dealer the pink engines fanned out to various locations in the
area to promote the saving of lives thru cancer awareness. Free
mammograms were given at the Mercato to qualified women.
|
.jpg) Lt.
Montie Dowling & Trooper Chris Reynolds attend 9/11 service.
On 9/11 Lt. Montie Dowling and Trp. Chris
Reynolds of the Clewiston Unit attended a memorial service sponsored
by the Lake Placid American Legion Post honoring the victims of the
9/11 attack on the World Trade Center, and also honoring all
military and law enforcement personnel.
Pictured left to right are Trp. Chris
Reynolds, Highlands County Sheriff, Susan Benton, Lake Placid Police
Chief, Phil Williams, and Clewiston Unit Commander, Lt. Montie
Dowling.
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Lt. Montie Dowling -- Trooper of the Quarter
Col. Stephen Sheffer announced the FHPA Trooper of the Quarter winner
for the first quarter of 2010.
Congratulations to FHPA Lt. Montie Dowling, Troop F, Clewiston for this
award. While traveling with his family, off duty, Lt. Dowling observed a
crash between a car and a bus carrying many civilians. At least five
individuals were ejected from the bus as it turned over. Lt. Dowling,
using his FHPA training, called 911, got his traffic vest out and
started administering first aid to the injured. Lt. Dowling was the
first responder on the scene until EMS arrived. The crash resulted in
two fatalities and all the other passengers were either ground
transported or air lifted out of the area. Lt. Dowling exemplified
what an FHPA Trooper is all about, serving and giving of his time to
others in need.
Congratulations again, to Lt. Dowling for this well deserved honor!
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Auxiliary Training Saves Lives!!!!
 
sm.jpg) The
following is a letter from Lt. Montie
Dowling, Clewiston Auxiliary Commander and very
active member of the Troop F FHPA. An outstanding
job by a dedicated Auxiliary Trooper.
I
think we all wonder just when will all that
training we got pay off. Well, for me, it
paid off yesterday!! I was an eye witness
and first responder to a Sig-4 rollover on Hwy
27 just north of Lake Placid involving a bus
with 30 senior citizens aboard. In
witnessing the crash, I saw at least 5
passengers being ejected from the bus. I
quickly called 911 and got my traffic vest out
of my private vehicle. I went to the
ejected passengers first and assessed that they
were not critically injured. I asked then
to sit or lay quietly until emergency help could
arrive. I then went around to the other
side of the bus where the inside could be
reached thru the windows which had been knocked
out by the impact of the rollover. There
were many people intangled and lying on the
roof, which was now the floor. I climbed
inside and began to check these passengers for
injuries. One man had a broken leg and
another a bad shoulder, but for the most part
the rest were cut around the head area by broken
plastic framing from around the windows. I
started getting the folks untangled, and one by
one passing them out the window to other
volunteers and EMT's. We did put the guy
with the broken leg on a body board and passed
him out the window. I can't say enough
about the emergency personnel who arrived at the
scene. They worked very professionally in
setting up their triage, and, in what seemed
like no time, had everyone on boards and
separated into groups by injury. There
were 2 Sig 7's and all the other passengers were
transported to area hospitals, except for 5 who
were airlifted out of the area. I now
really appreciate those hours of training.
Montie
|
Sergeant Joseph "Preacher" Douthett Retires after 25 Years.
Sergeant Joe Douthett, best known as "Preacher" has
retired from the Florida State Trooper Auxiliary after contributing more
then 25 years of service. As of late he served as Sergeant in the Venice
Unit. A retired minister 'preacher' also served as the Troop F Chaplin.
Joe was as active in the Auxiliary as anyone. He was always available
for call outs day or night. His skill, ability and dedication to the FHP
and FHPA will be missed. We wish Joe, his wife Jill and their
family the best as he moves on to other great adventures.
|
New Major for Troop F
Troop F welcomes it's new
Commander, Major Carlos Vazquez. Major Vazquez is
charged with the operations of the ten counties which
comprise the troop. |
  Auxiliary
working with the Bureau of Investigation (BOI)
to prevent a potential harmful situation.
Last week one of the
Sarasota area
Drivers License Offices received a
letter with an implied threat to the workers in that
office. The office manager notified Lt. Connor Cardwell,
of the Troop F BOI office, of the incident. Lt. Cardwell
was able to identify the individual and where he lived.
Capt. Osborn and Capt. Prescott were dispatched to the
DL office to insure the suspect did not attempt to cause
any harm to the office workers or citizens visiting the
office. In the meantime Lt. Cardwell attempted to
contact the suspect for an interview but the suspect
managed to get away from his residence before Lt.
Cardwell could talk with him. The next day, Lt. Cardwell
and Capt. Osborn intercepted the
suspect near his residence early in the morning.
After confronting the suspect and interviewing him, it
was determined there was ample probable cause for an
arrest. The suspect was taken into custody by Lt.
Cardwell and Capt. Osborn and charged with three
felonies - another good example of Auxiliary Troopers
working with FHP for a positive outcome. |
 Troop
F Quarterly Training at DCI.
On Saturday,
November 21st members of Troop F met at the Desoto
Corrections Institute Training Facility (DCI) for a full
day of training, food and fun. The morning was spent
Running the mandatory Stress Firing Course for all
members outside. In the meantime members 'spouses' took
the "DT Class for Family" inside instructed by Trooper
Jennifer Drake and Cpl. Tim Burtcher. Everyone then
enjoyed a great lunch provided by the Venice Unit. The
afternoon was used for mandatory classroom instruction.
Thanks to all the members that attended, the Venice Unit
for a great lunch and all the instructors. You can view
all the pictures on the "Photo Gallery" page of this web
site or
CLICK HERE.
|
|
New Weapons for everyone: GLOC 45 GAP
This issue of new weapons will
begin early next year and will begin in the North of the
state and move South. The weapon will come with a
detachable light (may be attached with a special
holster). Everyone will have two days of training and
certification on the weapon. You will be given the
option to purchase the Beretta at the 'trade in' price
to be announced.
ATM for 2010 cancelled due to budget cuts.
FHPA Level 4 Approved
Level 4 has been approved and will
roll out state wide December 1st. Members that have
taken some training recently will receive credit for
that training.
|
 Clewiston
Unit Continues to Recruit New Members.
Lt. Montie
Dowling, Commander of the Clewiston Unit attended a
luncheon as the guest speaker at the Lake Placid Rotary
Club last Wednesday to 'sell' the FHPA. He 'set the
stage' with our blow-up pictures and the new banner to
gain attention. Thanks Lt. Dowling and keep up the good
work. Our recruiting materials are available to all
units if you can set up a presentation.
|
sm.jpg) ABRC
Academy Continues With Firearms in the Summer Heat.
Our
Auxiliary Basic Recruit Class continues to move
forward with the mandated FDLE curriculum. Not an easy
task as the temps reach into the 90's with little wind.
Keep up the good work guys and THANKS to the
instructors!!!
|
Troop F Supports the ABRC Academy at DCI.
Hats off to all the Units of Troop F as they provide
support to the first Auxiliary Basic Recruit Class
in Florida. As the class moved to the gun range at
Desoto Correctional Institute for the firearms segment
of the training, each of the Troop F units provided
lunch for the recruits and instructors.
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On Saturday June 27th the Bradenton Unit provided
a cookout with burgers and dogs plus all the sides.
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On Saturday, July 11th the Clewiston Unit served
a western style BBQ with roasted chicken and pulled
pork.
-
On Saturday, July 18th the Ft. Myers Unit brought
a "make your own Submarine Sandwich" with a variety of
deli meats and cheese along with all the sides.
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On Saturday, July 25th the Venice Unit provided
an original BBQ cookout with 'homemade wings & homemade
Blue Cheese & Ranch dressing' along with homemade Potato
Salad & Baked Beans. Also plenty of grilled sausage.
With homemade brownies "to die for"!!!!
Given
the long days and amazing heat on the range the lunch
break was most appreciated by all. Thanks to all the
great members of Troop F for your support to the new
recruits and our amazing instructors!!!! |
A/Sgt. John Handy 'moves over'.
Bad news for Troop F - Bradenton Unit but good news for
the FHP. Auxiliary Sgt. John Handy of the Bradenton Unit
will begin training as a full time trooper at the next
Academy starting in August. John has been an outstanding
Auxiliary Member and will, no doubt, continue his law
enforcement career as a full time trooper. Good luck
John and be safe out there!!!!! Major Cleveland said,
"This just means we will have another outstanding
Trooper for Auxiliary members to ride with and support."
|
Buddy Culberson Retires from FHPA.
Last Saturday night at the Inn on the Lake in Sebring
Buddy's 19+ years of service to the Florida Highway
Patrol Auxiliary was celebrated. Here Major Ed Cleveland
presents Captain Buddy Culberson with his retirement
letter and badge framed. Buddy served as commander of
the Clewiston Unit for a number of years. He will be
missed by all. Good luck in your retirement Buddy!!!! |
Auxiliary Basic Recruit Class is Underway!!!
On Saturday, April 25, 2009 the first Auxiliary
Basic Recruit Class began in Venice. Nine new
recruits are attending the 12 month Academy
which follows the mandated FDLE 320 hour
curriculum. Four of the recruits are from the
Bradenton Unit, one from Ft. Myers, one from
Venice, two from the Clewiston Unit and one from
the Orlando Unit. This was a major effort by
Troop F Training Coordinator Lt. Vince Crawford
and the first Academy for Auxiliary Troopers in
the state. All of the instructors are from Troop
F - full time, Auxiliary and Reserve Troopers.
The full curriculum is posed on the "Training &
Recruits" page on this web site. A second
Auxiliary Basic Recruit Class is scheduled to
begin on September 19th pending the completion
of testing and BGI of 10 new applicants.
Pictured left to
right: Lt. Vince Crawford (Troop
F Training Coordinator), Tpr. Barbara
Ehrhart (Bradenton Unit
Instructor and BRC Instructor), Recruit
David Pollard (Venice Unit),
Recruit Ron Buckley, Recruit Tony Bevis
(Clewiston Unit), Recruit
David Park, Recruit Chris Gologanoff, Recruit
Joe Filice (Bradenton Unit),
Recruit Richard Lisenbee (Ft.
Myers Unit), Recruit Michael Sullivan
(Bradenton Unit), Recruit
Matt Swingholm (Orlando Unit),
Major Ed Cleveland (Troop
Auxiliary Commander), Capt. John Donovan
(Venice District Commander &
Auxiliary Coordinator), Capt. John
Prescott (Troop F Auxiliary
Executive Officer / Recruiter).
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Fulltime and Auxiliary Troopers Qualify with Assault Rifles.
13 Troop F Full Time and Auxiliary Troopers just
completed the 27 hour Assault Rifle
Qualification Course so they may now carry high
powered weapons in their police vehicle such as
the AR-15.
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Ft. Myers Unit Works Escort
Troopers Jim Larson, Richard
Stevens and Lt. Dave Bush participated in the 6th Annual
Easter Bunny Motorcycle ride to benefit the Children's
Hospital in Ft. Myers. The 21 mile ride started at The
Ft. Myers Harley Davidson Dealer and ended at the
Healthcare Center. Over 300 cyclists participated, each
bringing a gift for a child. We assisted in the escort
with the Lee County SO. |
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Capt. John Donovan takes over as FHPA Coordinator
Capt. John Donovan (left),
Commander of the Venice District, has been appointed
FHPA Coordinator for Troop F. He replaces Capt. John
Baumann (right) who has served the Auxiliary in an
exemplary manner over the years. Capt. Baumann's
guidance and advice will be missed by all Auxiliary
members in the Troop. He will continue to be active with
the Auxiliary as best he can. But, Capt. Donovan is an
excellent choice as he has also demonstrated outstanding
support of the Auxiliary, most notably the Venice Unit.
We all look forward to working with our new Auxiliary
Coordinator.
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Troop F Provides Police Services at Charlotte County
Air Show.
Capt. Wade Osborn and all the members of the Venice
Unit wish to thank all those Auxiliary Troopers that
worked the Charlotte County Air show this past week.
We provided 645 man/hours of service, saving
Charlotte County about $23,000 in salaries. Members
from all over the state participated. Tpr. Gil
Rappelt came from Pinellas, Jack Salafia came from
Fish & Wildlife, we also had Auxiliary from the
Bradenton, Ft. Myers and Clewiston Units. We manned
our 'Recruiting Station' both days of the show and
had a significant number of contacts. Special Thanks
to Judy Prescott and her two kids that helped with
the effort, as well as the A/men that stopped by to
help 'sell' the FHPA. This was also the first time
the Troop F FHP Command Bus was put into use and it
was a great help as a base of operations. Capt.
Osborn did an outstanding job of coordinating all
the police obligations that were asked of the
Auxiliary over the five day period. To see some
awesome pictures taken by Lt. Matt Fineman go to the
"Photo Gallery"
page.
Troop F "Command Vehicle" Debuts at Quarterly
Training.
This past Saturday
Troop F conducted firearms recertification for all
Auxiliary and Reserve Troopers. The new Troop F Command
Vehicle was used to transport Venice Unit members to DCI
for training. Troop Commander, Major David McCarter and
Aux. Commander, Major Ed Cleveland were given a tour by
Venice Unit Commander (and vehicle facilitator) Capt.
Wade Osborn. They were very impressed. (See full story
below and on the "Photo Gallery" page). Also the first
of three "Level One" A-men were sworn in to begin their
ABRC in April. While the Major was there he took the
opportunity to swear in Montie Dowling as the Clewiston
Unit Commander.
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Venice Unit Rides to DCI in new Command Veh. |
Capt. Osborn at the wheel. |
Capt. Osborn,
Maj. McCarter & Maj. Cleveland |
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Members of the Venice Unit at the Command
Vehicle. Tpr. Moore, Sgt. Nazzarese, Capt.
Osborn, Maj. McCarter, Maj. Cleveland, Tpr.
Rentz and Capt. Prescott. |
Level One Richard Lisenbee of the Ft. Myers Unit
just after being sworn in with his family in
attendance. |
Lt. Montie
Dowling, being sworn in as Commander of the
Clewiston Unit. Replacing Lt. Buddy Culberson,
who will be missed greatly. |
Troop F Holds Annual Firearms Recertification
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Troop F "Command Unit" is now just about ready.
The former "Dial-A-Ride"
bus, donated to the FHPA by Charlotte County, for use as
a Mobile Command & Control and Transportation Vehicle is
just about ready. The cost of fixing up the unit was
paid for by donations and the Venice Auxiliary Unit
funds. Some additional lettering, more lights, and some
fixing up the interior and the unit will be placed in
service for use by Troop F. Thanks to all the Venice
Unit Members that worked so hard on the project. And a
special thanks to Corporal Cale Stevens for his
preparation and painting of the unit. Also Capt. Osborn,
Lt. Fineman, Sgt. Douthett, Tpr. Saladino, Tpr. Knowlton
and Tpr. Rentz. If you would like to see the whole
process of converting the bus to command vehicle,
click here. |
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Here is the unit |
Capt. Osborn
removing old paint |
Trooper Moore
working the exterior |
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Douthett working the back door |
We
will keep the lift in case we need to evacuate handicapped
citizens. |
Capt. Osborn at
the controls. |
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Troop F Adds Two New Auxiliary Members.
On Thursday January 29th
Major David McCarter administered the oath of office to
two new Auxiliary Troopers in Troop F.
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Trooper Philip Osborne - Ft. Myers Unit |
Trooper Cale Stevens, Sr. - Venice Unit |
Major David
McCarter gives oath to new Auxiliary Troopers in
Troop F |
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Grandma Sandi Osborne Pins on Badge |
Grandpa Noel Osborne, Grandma Sandi Osborne,
Trooper Philip Osborne, Brother Kyle Osborne and
Kyle's girlfriend Jessica Harpin |
Cpl. Linda Powell
(Unit Instructor), Capt.
John Rumsey (Unit Commander),
Capt. John Prescott (Executive
Officer), Trooper Osborne, Lt. Dave Bush,
Major David McCarter (Troop
Commander) |
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Wife Ruth and son Cale Jr. Pin on Badge |
Family of Troopers: Cpl. Jacquline Stevens,
Trooper Cale Stevens, Sr. and Cpl. Cale Stevens,
Jr. |
Capt. John Baumann
(Auxiliary Coordinator),
Capt. John Prescott (Executive
Officer), Cpl. Cale Stevens, Jr., Trooper
Cale Stevens, Major McCarter & Cpl. Jacquline
Stevens. |
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Troop F -- 3rd Annual Child Safety Day A Big Success!
The Troop F FHP
Auxiliary 3rd Annual Child Safety Day was held on
Saturday December 6th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the
North Port Wal*Mart Parking Lot. Also participating was
the North Port Police Department, North Port
Fire/Rescue, Florida Dept. of Fish & Wildlife, FHP &
NPPD K-9 Units, Sarasota PD, Florida Dept. of Forestry &
DEP. Special thanks again this year to Wal*Mart for
providing the helmets and bikes to give away!!!
Once again Capt. Osborne
put together a very successful event with the help of:
Capt. John Donovan (Venice Unit Commander), Sgt. Randy
Head, Tpr. Lucy Papp, Tpr. Jennifer Drake (Unit
Instructor), Tpr. Edward Pope, Tpr. Jeff House, Tpr.
Adam Heinlein, Tpr. Mike Grider and Auxiliary Capt. John
Prescott, Lt. Matt Fineman, Sgt. Mark Nazzarese, Sgt.
Joe Douthett, Tpr. Dennis Moore, Tpr. Jim Knowlton, Tpr.
Joe Saladio.
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Trooper Moore sets up booth |
Sarasota Motor Unit sets up booth |
Trooper Saladino works the "Roll Over" demo. |
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Two new FHP Chargers on display |
Florida Dept. of Forestry display |
FHP & FHPA members get ready |
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North Port Officers mingle with the crowds |
Trooper Papp & Trooper Salidino get ready |
Another demo set up |
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Tpr. Papp, Pat Flynn, Tpr. Salidino & Lt.
Finemen |
One of the marine units |
Bloodmobile was on hand. |
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North Port & FHP Auxiliary members |
Fish & Wildlife display |
North Port DARE unit sets up booth |
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FHPA booth |
Giving out 'raffle' tickets to waiting public |
Trooper Drake 'fits' child with new 'free'
helmet |
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And here
are the winners of the FHPA raffle for new bikes
w/helmets!!!! |
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They lined up to get 'raffle' tickets!! |
Lots of 'free' stuff for old and young alike |
North Port Police 'work the crowd' |
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FHP & FHPA had lots of stuff for the public. |
North Port Auxiliary Officer w/child |
North Port Police booth was popular |
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Trooper Drake running the 'raffle' drawing |
More of the crowd having fun |
FHP Chargers on display |
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Crowd enjoying the afternoon great weather |
K-9 Demo -- searching for 'drugs' |
"Attack" demo |
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All the kids got to
pet the dog |
Fire EMT booth. |
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On
Saturday April 24th six new Auxiliary Troopers were
sworn in to Troop F. This completes over one year of
training and testing. All four units gained at least one
new Auxiliary Trooper. Troopers Joe Filice, Chris
Gologanoff and Michael Sullivan joined the Bradenton
Unit. Trooper Ron Buckley joins the Clewiston Unit.
Trooper Richard Lisenbee joins the Ft. Myers Unit and
Trooper David Pollard completes the Venice Unit. Close
to 100 FHP/FHPA family and friends attended the
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