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Tag Archive for Florida Highway Patrol

FHP Trooper Fired

April 10, 2013 Jacob Front Page Comments Off

Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Charles Swindle was terminated from FHP in March for a ticket that he wrote in Nov.2012 to state lawmaker Charles McBurney, a state representative from Jacksonville.

McBurney had been reportedly been traveling through Madison County at a high rate of speed when he was pulled over by Swindle. Swindle said that he would cut McBurney a break and write a $10 ticket for failure to show proof of insurance instead of the $280 ticket that McBurney would have normally have gotten for doing 87 in a 70 mile per hour zone.

Swindle’s attorney Sid Matthew said that Swindle had spoken with his sergeant Gary Dawson about doing this before he did it and Dawson told him to go ahead. Matthew said that Dawson is also prepared
to testify in court on the matter.

Matthew pointed out that Swindle was following a policy in FHP not to ticket legislators.

“How can you be fired for following a policy?” Matthew asked.

Matthew said that the unspoken policy he is referring to is something that is taught to the troopers at the FHP Academy.

The letter firing Swindle for “conduct unbecoming an officer” says that Swindle wrote the $10 ticket to McBurney in spite of not asking for the insurance information.

Matthew said that he believes McBurney went home and wrote the letter to the FHP on official stationery. He said McBurney was upset because he didn’t think he deserved a ticket at all.

Swindle and Matthew are appealing the firing and Swindle is seeking to be reinstated.

The date for the hearing on the appeal is set for April 29.

FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL RELEASES RESULTS FROM HOLIDAY ENFORCEMENT CAMPAIGN

July 17, 2012 Submitted Front Page Comments Off

~ Patrol removes 82 impaired drivers from the roads ~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Highway Patrol announced the preliminary results from its Independence Day holiday enforcement effort. During the four-day intensified enforcement period on July 1 – 4, FHP increased the number of troopers patrolling Florida’s roadways. Auxiliary troopers augmented FHP’s force.

Troopers issued 8,327 traffic citations and made 82 arrests for Driving Under the Influence of alcohol or drugs. They cited 3,533 drivers for speeding and 656 for failing to buckle up. Troopers assisted 2,424 motorists on the roadways of the state. Additionally, commercial vehicle enforcement troopers conducted 1,053 commercial vehicle safety inspections, placing 123 vehicles and 71 drivers out of service for critical safety violations.

“Our troopers were out in full force to keep the roadways safe for the holiday,” said FHP Director Col. David Brierton. “The men and women of the Florida Highway Patrol did their part to identify unsafe drivers and took the steps to reduce aggressive driving and crashes on our roadways.”

The members of the Florida Highway Patrol would like to remind everyone that it is the law to move over when approaching any authorized emergency vehicle or wrecker displaying rotating or flashing lights stopped on the side of a roadway. Also, remember that *FHP (*347) dialed from your cell phone contacts FHP should you need to report an aggressive driver or require roadside assistance.

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 @FDHSMV or find us on Facebook.

Lee Man Injured

February 15, 2012 Jacob Front Page 3 comments

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
A Lee man was seriously injured in a wreck on Tuesday evening, Feb. 14, at approximately 5:20 p.m.
According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, Joshua D. Agner, 28, was traveling westbound on State Road 6 at approximately 65 miles per hour.
Agner drove his 2005 Ford F150 off the roadway onto the north shoulder into a ditch and the front of the pickup struck a culvert.
The pickup went airborne and came down onto the front end and overturned onto the roof, coming to a final rest facing east.
FHP Trooper W.E. Harrell was the investigating officer.

FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL RELEASES HOLIDAY WEEKEND ENFORCEMENT RESULTS

December 1, 2011 Submitted Uncategorized Comments Off

~ FHP: Increased enforcement helps state realize fewer fatalities and thousands of motorist assists ~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Col. David Brierton, director of the Florida Highway Patrol, today announced preliminary results from the Patrol’s Thanksgiving holiday period enforcement efforts. During the Nov. 23-27 heightened enforcement period, the Patrol suspended administrative duties and mobilized support from reservists and auxiliary troopers to protect motorists on Florida’s busy roadways.

The Florida Highway Patrol issued over 12,000 traffic citations and assisted nearly 3,000 motorists on Florida’s roadways during the holiday weekend. Troopers made 136 arrests for Driving Under the Influence of alcohol or drugs and cited nearly 5,000 drivers for speeding and more than 1,300 for failure to buckle up.
Preliminary statewide totals, which include other law enforcement agencies’ reports, indicate 26 people died in crashes during the holiday period.

“The Florida Highway Patrol works hard to ensure residents and visitors make it safely to their destinations,” Brierton said. “We are very proud of the dedicated service and commitment to highway safety exhibited by our troopers.”

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.

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The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is committed to Service, Integrity, Courtesy, Professionalism, Innovation and Excellence in all we do. Please let us know how we are doing via our online customer service survey at www.flhsmv.gov.

FATALITY FOLLOWING MOTORCYCLE CRASH

November 13, 2011 Submitted Front Page Comments Off

Photo and information submitted by Pat Lightcap
On Sunday,November 13, 2011 shortly after 6:00 PM a deer running across U.S. Highway 90 west of Madison caused a motorcycle crash. The two riders
survived the initial impact with injuries but a car coming east on the highway ran over the female and she was trapped under the vehicle. Three witnesses at the scene lifted the vehicle off the severly injured person so that EMS personnel could provide immediate care. She was flown to a trauma center by helicopter. The male victim was carried by ambulance to another hospital. Madison Fire Rescue, Greenville Fire Rescue, Madison Sheriff’s Office, Madison County EMS and the Florida Highway Patrol responded to the scene.
Update: According to the FHP, both riders were from Valdosta, Ga. The woman, Tena L. Forrest, 49, was taken to Shands in Gainesville where she died from injuries received after being hit by a driver who did not see her becaiuse there were no street lights and she was wearing dark clothing. The driver, James P. Forrest, 56, was taken to South Georgia Medical Center and treated for serious injuries.

21-Year-Old Killed In Crash

September 1, 2011 Jacob Front Page 8 comments

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
A 21-year-old Madison woman was killed in a Wednesday night, Aug. 31, crash on Highway 53 North at Rocky Springs Church Road.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, at approximately 9:20 p.m., Amy Ruth Newman, 21, was traveling north on State Road 53, approaching a left hand curve. Newman’s 1997 Chevy Malibu left the road and traveled onto the east shoulder. The car then overturned and collided into a tree.
Newman was pronounced dead at the scene.
FHP was assisted at the scene by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Madison County EMS and Cherry Lake and Madison volunteer firefighters.
FHP Cpl. Donnie Pitts was the investigating officer, as well as the homicide investigator.

FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL IS OUT IN FULL FORCE THIS INDEPENDENCE DAY HOLIDAY WEEKEND

July 1, 2011 Submitted Around Madison, Front Page Comments Off

~ Efforts aim to reduce the number of crashes during the holiday ~

The Florida Highway Patrol will be out in full force during the Independence Day holiday weekend, which begins this afternoon and extends through midnight, July 4.

“The Florida Highway Patrol is committed to making Florida’s highways safer, and we plan to do that by bolstering our forces to reduce the number and severity of crashes,” said FHP Director, Col. David Brierton. “Our troopers will take appropriate enforcement action on those drivers who put themselves and others in danger. We want everyone to have a safe traveling experience in our state as they enjoy the holiday weekend. I encourage motorists to do their part by complying with all traffic laws and making sure everyone in their vehicle is buckled up.”

All uniformed FHP personnel, including those normally assigned to administrative duties, will patrol interstates and other major state roads throughout the four-day holiday period. FHP Auxiliary and Reserve troopers will volunteer to augment the Patrol’s forces during the holiday enforcement period, too. The strategy aims to increase the Patrol’s presence throughout Florida in an effort to deter traffic violations and to enhance services to motorists who break down while traveling or who need other assistance. Please remember to dial *FHP (*347) from your cell phone to contact FHP to report an aggressive driver or to request roadside assistance.

Driving long distances in the summer heat, especially here in the Sunshine State, can cause a vehicle tire to deteriorate, leading to blowouts and tread separation. That is why FHP would like to remind motorists to check your tires regularly, especially before a long trip. Remember to check tire pressure, including the spare. You should inspect tires for uneven wear patterns on the tread, cracks, foreign objects or other signs of wear or trauma. Remove bits of glass and other foreign objects wedged in the tread and make sure your tire valves have valve caps. Additionally, it is important that you do not overload your vehicle. For more information about maintaining your tires and ensuring they are fit for the trip, visit www.safercar.gov.

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 or follow us on Twitter @FDHSMV. You can find us on Facebook, too.

FHP Is In Full Force Memorial Day Weekend

May 27, 2011 Submitted Around Madison, Front Page Comments Off

Sleigher Awarded Medal Of Valor By FHP

April 29, 2011 Submitted Front Page Comments Off

John Sleigher, center, was awarded the Medal of Valor for lifesaving actions

FHP HONORS TROOPER WITH MEDAL OF VALOR
~ Trooper honored for life saving actions ~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Highway Patrol awarded Trooper John Sleigher the Medal of Valor, the highest award bestowed by the Patrol, for his actions during an armed confrontation in Madison County. FHP awards the Medal of Valor for exceptional cases where a member displayed outstanding bravery, gallantry or courage for law enforcement purposes despite hazardous circumstances.

“Trooper Sleigher had a difficult decision to make in a split second, and his decision likely saved the life of a fellow law enforcement officer and the lives of others,” said Colonel David Brierton, director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “His brave actions exemplified the skills we try to instill in all of our troopers.”

On Jan. 8, 2011, at approximately 9:40 a.m., Sleigher and Madison County Sheriff’s Deputy David Myers approached a transient who was illegally camping in a tent in a drainage ditch at the westbound entrance ramp of Interstate-10 from southbound SR 53. They approached the tent from opposite sides of its entrance. Myers announced their presence and asked the transient, later identified as Rudy G. Taylor, to exit the tent. Taylor opened the tent and began to exit it while armed with a 12-gauge pump action, short barreled shot gun pointed in Myers’ direction. Sleigher drew his service weapon, shouted “gun” to alert Myers, and opened fire on the transient. Myers drew his weapon and opened fire. Taylor was fatally wounded as a result.

The Florida Highway Patrol reminds motorists to dial *FHP (*347) on your cell phone to report an impaired driver. Motorists can also request roadside assistance at that number.

Man Arrested After Scuffle With State Trooper And Chase

April 21, 2011 Jacob Crime, Front Page Comments Off

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
A 21-year-old Perry man was arrested in Madison following an altercation in Perry with FHP Trooper Billy Ernst Wednesday afternoon, April 20.
According to Madison Police Department Inv. Jimbo Roebuck, the department received a Be On the Lookout (BOLO) from FHP to watch out for a silver Chevrolet Impala.
According to an FHP press release, Ernst had stopped the defendant for a seatbelt violation. The driver had no identification. Ernst found out that Bryant B. Pritchett, 21, had an active warrant for his arrest on charges of fleeing and eluding and driving without a license.
Ernst attempted to arrest Pritchett for the warrant and Pritchett physically resisted arrest and committed battery on Ernst.
Ernst was able to get one hand cuffed on his arm before Pritchett fled in his vehicle.
Ernst was unable to locate the driver or vehicle, so the BOLO was issued to surrounding agencies.
In Madison, MPD Cpl. Reggie Alexander spotted Pritchett’s car and got behind it. He waited for other units to arrive and then activate his emergency lights.
A chase ensued with the suspect, Bryant Pritchett, fleeing down several city streets before pulling in behind Lake Park of Madison Nursing Home. He got out of the Impala and fled on foot. He was apprehended at the front door of the nursing home.
` Trooper Ernst was assisted by the Perry Police Department, Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, United States Marshals Service, Madison County Sheriff’s Office and Madison Police Department.

Lee Man Injured

March 3, 2011 Jacob Front Page Comments Off

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
A Lee man suffered minor injuries in a two-vehicle accident on Monday, Feb. 28.
According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, Willie M. Pickles, 73, of Lee, was pulling north onto County Road 255 from the eastbound exit ramp of Interstate 10. Pickles was driving a 2005 Toyota van.
At the same time, Frank L. Tellis, 56, of Troy, Ala., was traveling north on County Road 255 in a 2007 Peterbilt semi.
Pickles failed to see the semi approaching and pulled into the path of the tractor-trailer.
The van was struck by the Peterbilt.
Pickles was treated at the scene for minor injuries.
Pickles’ passenger, Lindsay McLeod was not injured in the crash.
Tellis suffered not injuries in the wreck.
Madison County Sheriff’s Deputy Kevin Stout assisted FHP at the scene.
FHP Trooper Tom Roderick was the investigating officer.

Woman Critically Injured

February 28, 2011 Jacob Front Page One comment

By Jacob Bembry

Greene Publishing, Inc.

            A woman was critically injured in a one-car accident at the intersection of NE State Road 6 and NE Old Blue Springs Road Thursday evening, Feb. 24.

            According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, Katherine G. Coker, 41, of Santa Rosa Beach, was eastbound on NE State Road 6, when she abruptly steered left.

            Coker lost control of her 2001 Dodge, went off the roadway and onto the north grass shoulder of NE State Road 6. The car overturned three times, ejecting the driver out of the vehicle.

            Coker was transported to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital by Madison County EMS.

            Madison County Sheriff’s Deputy Jason Whitfield and Reserve Deputy Franklin Kramer assisted FHP with the traffic crash.

            FHP Trooper Tom Roderick was the investigating officer.

Man Injured As Car Overturns

February 14, 2011 Jacob Front Page Comments Off

By Jacob Bembry

Greene Publishing, Inc.

            A man suffered minor injuries after he apparently fell asleep at the wheel early Thursday morning, Feb. 10.

            According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, at approximately 6:57 a.m., Roger A. Henry, 59, of Jennings was traveling eastbound on State Road 6. Henry fell asleep while driving and drove off the roadway, onto the south grass shoulder.

            Henry traveled approximately one-tenth of a mile in his 2007 Buick before he came back abruptly onto the roadway, with the car out of control.

            Henry crossed State Road 6 and struck a steel reflector post of the north side of the roadway.

            The car continued out of control and overturned in a shallow mud and water area.

            The Madison County Sheriff’s Office assisted FHP with the traffic crash scene.

            FHP Trooper Tom Roderick was the investigating officer.

Man Injured In One-Vehicle Wreck

February 8, 2011 Jacob Front Page Comments Off

Man Injured In One-Vehicle Wreck

By Jacob Bembry
Greene Publishing, Inc.
A 70-year-old man was injured in a one-vehicle accident on Sunday, Feb. 6, after he reportedly swerved to miss hitting a small animal, which came on the roadway.
According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, at approximately 11:10 a.m., Johnny W. Heady, 70, of Arcadia, was westbound on Interstate 10, between the 237 and 236 mile markers, in the outside lane. Heady told officers that, without warning, a small animal came onto the roadway, into the path of Heady’s 2005 Mercury.
Heady swerved to miss the animal and lost control of his car.
The Mercury went off the roadway, out of control backwards traveling westbound.
The car continued out of control, striking a concrete culvert barrier and then a large pine tree.
The car overturned on its right side after striking the tree.
Madison County Sheriff’s Deputy David Myers and Greenville Fire and Rescue assisted FHP at the traffic crash scene.
Heady refused transport to a medical facility.
FHP Trooper Tom Roderick was the investigating officer.

FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL RELEASES RESULTS FROM HOLIDAY ENFORCEMENT CAMPAIGN

January 16, 2011 Submitted Front Page Comments Off

From FHP Press Release

~ Patrol arrests nearly 500 motorists for impaired driving ~

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Col. John Czernis, director of the Florida Highway Patrol, announced the preliminary enforcement results from the Patrol’s participation in the nationwide Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. campaign.

During the 19-day heightened enforcement period, the Patrol beefed up its force by having troopers postpone administrative duties in favor of road patrols and adding reservists and auxiliary troopers to patrol duty.

Troopers issued nearly 41,000 traffic citations and made 474 arrests for Driving Under the Influence of alcohol or drugs. They cited more than 13,000 drivers for speeding and nearly 4,000 for failure to buckle up.  In addition, there were 56 traffic-related fatalities during the enforcement campaign.

“Our troopers worked hard to help our residents and visitors have a safe and enjoyable holiday period,” said Czernis. “Motorists who operate their vehicles in an unsafe fashion are a danger that puts innocent lives at risk. The men and women of the Florida Highway Patrol did their part to identify the unsafe drivers and take thesteps necessary to decrease that risk.”

The members of the Florida Highway Patrol would like to remind everyone that it is the law to Move Over when approaching any authorized emergency vehicle or wrecker displaying rotating or flashing lights stopped on the side of a roadway. Also, remember that *FHP (*347) dialed from you cell phone contacts FHP should you need to report an aggressive driver or require roadside assistance.

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.

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