18 new FHP troopers start their careers in Central Florida

63 new state troopers join the ranks of the patrol

18 newly graduated troopers reported to the Florida Highway Patrol Troop D headquarters in Orlando yesterday to start their careers. 16 of the 18 will be assigned to the Orange/Osceola district, one to the Brevard District and one to the Volusia district.

63 new state troopers graduated from the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) Training Academy. The graduates join the more than 1,900 troopers who patrol the state’s roads and communities each day to protect and assist Florida residents and visitors.

“These new troopers selflessly chose to take the oath to protect our state and put the safety and well-being of others above all else,” said DHSMV Executive Director Terry L. Rhodes. “I am grateful for their decision to serve, and am confident they will continue FHP’s 78-year legacy of courtesy, service, and protection.”

Members of the 135th basic recruit class went through 28 weeks of intense physical and classroom training covering topics such as law, firearms, defensive tactics, vehicle operations, human relations 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.

“This graduating class represents the future of this agency. I commend them for their dedication and commitment, and I wish them well in their career with the patrol,” said Colonel Gene Spaulding, Director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “We are proud of our history, and we are pleased to have new troopers to carry on FHP’s commitment toward a safer Florida.”

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, an ardent supporter of the FHP, delivered the keynote address during the graduation ceremony.

“Thousands of people applied to be a part of the Florida Highway Patrol’s 135th Basic Recruit Class, but just 63 brave men and women made it through to graduation,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi. “I want to congratulate these new troopers and thank them for their willingness to serve and sacrifice to keep us safe.”

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 FTOs for up to 12 weeks prior to being released to solo duty.

The FHP is now hiring for the 138th basic recruit class starting October 2017, and applicants who graduate from the FHP Training Academy may be able to work where they call home. To learn more about Florida’s finest, visit www.BeATrooper.com, contact FHP’s Recruitment Office at 850-617-2307 or connect with the FHP Training Academy via Facebook (Florida Highway Patrol Training Academy) or Instagram (@FHP_Recruiting).

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. To learn more about DHSMV and the services offered, visit www.flhsmv.gov, follow us on Twitter @FLHSMV or find us on Facebook. For safe driving tips and techniques, download the official Florida Driver License Handbook.