2019

~FHP and Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office welcome new K-9 teams to the road~

FHP Colonel Gene Spaulding with Trooper Javier Rivera and K-9 Thor, awarded “Top Dog” for overall achievement at the FHP K-9 Training Academy.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, 12 K-9 teams graduated from the 2018-2019 Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) K-9 Academy. The 11 FHP K-9 teams join 19 FHP units that protect Florida’s roads each day providing safety and security to residents and visitors. In addition, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office also had a handler and K-9 that graduated the FHP-instructed Academy.

Members of the 2018-2019 K-9 Academy went through more than six months of intense physical and classroom training covering topics including narcotic detection, law, criminal apprehension, handler protection, obedience, tracking, area/building searches and article searches. While at the FHP Training Academy, handlers and K-9s also participated in several demonstrations and tracking deployments.

“I congratulate all of the K-9 teams who graduated today and their hard work over the course of their training,” said FLHSMV Executive Director Terry L. Rhodes. “These specialty teams of Troopers bring vital skill and strength to help make A Safer Florida.”

“These handlers and their K-9 partners will provide a valuable service to the residents and visitors of Florida. Their dedication and commitment should be commended,” said Colonel Gene S. Spaulding, Director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “These new teams carry on FHP’s commitment to Courtesy, Service and Protection.”

“The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office is proud to welcome its newest K-9 team to the road,” said Sheriff J. Harrell Reid. “I personally would like to thank the Florida Highway Patrol for the excellent training that will continue to ensure the safety of everyone in Hamilton County.”

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 144^th basic recruit class starting October 2019. To learn more about Florida’s finest, visit www.BeATrooper.com or contact FHP’s Recruitment Office at 850-617-2307. Get connected 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 (FLHSMV) provides highway safety and security through excellence in service, education and enforcement. FL 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 FLHSMV and the services offered, visit https://www.flhsmv.gov, follow us on Twitter @FLHSMV, find us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram.

This year, the FLHSMV celebrates its 50th anniversary and its Division of the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) commemorates its 80th year. Learn more at flhsmv.gov/behindthedrive.