2010 Troopers of the Month

January | Trooper Michael Hollis

Congratulations to Trooper Michael Hollis for being selected as the Florida Highway Patrol Trooper of the Month for January 2010, for his actions during a single incident in Troop C.

On January 7, 2010 Trooper Hollis responded to a traffic crash in Pasco County. Upon his arrival he observed a small child lying next to one of the vehicles. Trooper Hollis noticed immediately that the child was not breathing and began to clear her airway by performing CPR. Medical personnel took over and transported the child to Saint Joseph’s Medical center. Unfortunately, the child did not survive the injuries sustained in the crash.

Trooper Hollis’ life saving attempt was noble and shows dedication to public safety.

Trooper Hollis is to be commended for his actions and his commitment to the safety of the people of Florida. Congratulations for being selected Trooper of the Month for January 2010.

February | Trooper Michael Bonner

Congratulations to Trooper Michael Bonner for being selected as the Florida Highway Patrol Trooper of the Month for February 2010, for his actions during a single incident in Troop D.

Trooper Bonner was on duty Sunday, February 07, 2010, when he observed a Buick exiting Interstate 95. This vehicle did not have any operational brake or tail lights and the license plate was not visible. Trooper Bonner activated his emergency lights to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle. He then noticed that the driver was wearing a mask and what appeared to be a curly wig. Trooper Bonner also noticed a Chevy pickup truck behind his patrol unit that was keeping up with the pursuit.

During this pursuit, Trooper Bonner received information that the two vehicles were possibly involved in a homicide. After traveling at speeds well over 100 mph, the Buick began to smoke and to slow down. The Buick and the Chevy came to a stop. Trooper Bonner quickly exited his patrol vehicle and took a tactical position. He then ordered the suspects to immediately lie face down on the ground with their hands to their sides. Trooper Bonner then detained three suspects until backup units could arrive.

A search of the immediate area revealed a small black semi-automatic handgun. A female suspect stated that the driver had given it to her and told her to throw it in the woods. It was later learned that the driver of the Buick would have attempted to shoot Trooper Bonner had he not taken immediate control of the situation. As a result of this stop Trooper Bonner also secured valuable evidence that was later utilized in a homicide investigation conducted by the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.

The driver of the Buick was found to have a suspended license and the driver of the pickup was a Habitual Traffic Offender. Both were arrested and charged with several felony and misdemeanor charges. This investigation has led to the arrest of one suspect for First Degree Murder with more arrests expected. Due to Trooper Bonner’s actions during this incident, he is to be commended for his demonstrated commitment to the people of Florida and the Florida Highway Patrol.

Congratulations for being selected Trooper of the Month for February 2010.

March | Trooper Edward Pope

Congratulations to Trooper Edward Pope for being selected as the Florida Highway Patrol Trooper of the Month for March 2010, for his actions during an incident in Troop F.

On March 12, 2010, Trooper Edward Pope was dispatched to a medical call involving an infant child choking. Upon his arrival, he made contact with the child’s mother. She advised him that her son was turning blue and was having difficulty breathing. She had conducted a finger sweep of the child’s mouth but was unsuccessful in dislodging the obstruction. Trooper Pope walked to the passenger side of the vehicle where the child was sitting and reassessed the situation. By then the child seemed to be gasping for air and the trooper could not detect any airflow coming from the child.

With the mother’s permission, Trooper Pope then administered back thrusts to the child. The child expelled the obstruction and took in deep breaths of air. Trooper Pope continued to monitor the child until emergency personnel arrived. The child was then transported to the Peace River Hospital to undergo a through medical evaluation.

Trooper Pope’s quick response and decisive action is to be commended as well as your demonstrated commitment to the people of Florida.

Congratulations for being selected Trooper of the Month for March 2010.

April | Trooper Matthew Mihm

Congratulations to Trooper Matthew Mihm for being selected as the Florida Highway Patrol Trooper of the Month for April 2010, for his actions during an incident in Troop E.

On April 28, 2010, Trooper Mihm was instrumental in the apprehension of a robbery suspect. Trooper Mihm was on patrol on northbound SR-826 when a motorist advised him that he had just been robbed of his cellular phone, Florida driver’s license and $130,000. The motorist gave Trooper Mihm a description of the vehicle and advised that the plate was covered so it couldn’t be seen. Trooper Mihm took immediate action locating the suspect’s vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. The suspect was identified as a police detective. Trooper Mihm notified his chain of command and after an intense investigation, the detective was arrested. As a result of Trooper Mihm’s actions in locating the suspect, detaining those involved and the immediate notification of his chain of command, a robbery suspect was apprehended.

Trooper Mihm is to be commended for his actions and his commitment to the safety of the people of Florida. Congratulations for being selected Trooper of the Month for April 2010.

May | Trooper Catherine Oliver

Congratulations to Trooper Catherine Oliver for being selected as the Florida Highway Patrol Trooper of the Month for May 2010, for her actions during an incident in Troop D.

On May 16, Trooper Catherine Oliver was investigating a traffic crash in Winter Park. A uniformed Security Officer approached Trooper Oliver and informed her that a man was just stabbed in a nearby parking lot. The Security Officer also told Trooper Oliver that the two Hispanic males that were on-sight, walking away from the same parking lot, were involved in the stabbing.

Trooper Oliver advised the FHP Communications Center of the incident and verified that an Orange County Fire Rescue unit was enroute to the scene. Trooper Oliver approached the two suspects with her gun drawn, identified herself and ordered the two men to the ground. The two men complied and with the assistance of the Security Officer, Trooper Oliver secured both men in handcuffs and detained them until an Orange County Sheriff’s Deputy arrived and the investigation was turned over to them. Trooper Oliver thanked the Security Officer for his help and returned to the crash scene to complete her crash investigation.

With the assistance of the uniformed Security Officer, Trooper Oliver stopped, secured and detained two men who were later charged with attempted murder. Trooper Oliver is to be commended for her actions and her commitment to the safety of the people of Florida. Congratulations for being selected Trooper of the Month for May 2010.

June | Corporal Stephen Fisher

Congratulations for being selected as the Florida Highway Patrol Trooper of the Month for June 2010.

On June 5, 2010, Corporal Stephen Fisher received a call from dispatch that advised him to be on the lookout for a black truck traveling eastbound on Interstate 10 from the Pensacola Bay Bridge. According to the call received, the driver of the truck was seen striking the passenger in the right front seat repeatedly as she hung out of the passenger side window.

Corporal Fisher spotted the truck and conducted a stop when the driver abruptly pulled onto the shoulder. The driver was called out of the truck and placed into custody for safety purposes.

Throughout the course of the investigation it was discovered that the female had been kidnapped from a parking lot in Pensacola and was being taken to an unknown location. The victim was struck multiple times and had cuts, bruises and abrasions. Further investigation revealed that the suspect and the victim were once in a relationship but at this point were no longer together. The suspect was placed in the custody of the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office and charged with Assault, Battery and Kidnapping.

Without Corporal Fisher’s quick response and decisive action there could have been grave consequences to this incident. Corporal Fisher is commended for his actions during this incident and his demonstrated commitment to the people of Florida.

July | Corporal Cale Stevens

Congratulations to Corporal Cale Stevens for being selected as the Florida Highway Patrol Trooper of the Month for July 2010.

On July 22nd, Corporal Cale Stevens was off duty and getting a haircut when he heard a sound that resembled a traffic crash. He went to investigate the origin of the sound and discovered that indeed, a traffic crash had occurred. As he approached a vehicle with front end damage he asked an onlooker to call 911 and report the crash. Corporal Stevens observed an unresponsive male slumped over in the driver’s seat. When he could not get a pulse on the driver he enlisted the help of a bystander to pull the victim out of the car onto the pavement where he could perform CPR. Corporal Stevens was able to resuscitate the driver and found a pulse. Corporal Stevens continued to assess the driver until emergency services arrived.

Without Corporal Stevens’ quick response and decisive action there would have been grave consequences to this incident. Corporal Stevens is commended for his actions during this incident and his demonstrated commitment to the people of Florida.

August | Trooper Charles Maculloch

Congratulations to Trooper Charles Maculloch for being selected as the Florida Highway Patrol Trooper of the Month for August 2010, for his actions during an incident in Troop F.

On August 13, Trooper Maculloch was dispatched via a B.O.L.O. for a suicidal subject. The call originated from the Cape Coral Police Department, who had responded to a call from the subject’s residence. Cape Coral P.D. advised that the subject was in the vicinity of Interstate 75 and Tuckers Grade. The subject had attempted to commit suicide by inhaling exhaust fumes from his vehicle. Trooper Maculloch was also advised that the subject may be armed with a handgun and would shoot any law enforcement officer who approached the vehicle.

After searching the Tuckers Glade area Trooper Maculloch and a Charlotte County Deputy entered the Babcock-Webb Wildlife area. Trooper Maculloch came upon a vehicle in the woods and as he approached the vehicle he observed several hoses coming out of the tail pipe and secured to a passenger window with a towel and electrical tape. Trooper Maculloch noticed movement from the subject, quickly removed the hoses from the pipe and retreated to his vehicle. When back up arrived Trooper Maculloch secured the subject. Emergency services was summoned, treated the subject for carbon monoxide and alcohol poisoning and was then transported to the Charlotte Regional Medical Center. Trooper Maculloch ensured that upon release the subject would be baker acted.

Trooper Maculloch is to be commended for his actions and his commitment to the safety of the people of Florida. Congratulations for being selected Trooper of the Month for August 2010.

September | Trooper Montague Haight

Congratulations to Trooper Montague Haight for being selected as the Florida Highway Patrol Trooper of the Month for September 2010, for his actions during an incident in Troop D.

On September 9, while conducting a traffic crash investigation, Trooper Montague Haight received additional information that the at-fault party was possibly intoxicated and had recently exited the emergency room of a hospital. In an attempt to locate the driver, Trooper Haight entered the parking lot of a local business where the suspect was last seen. Upon entering the parking lot, Trooper Haight witnessed a male suspect steal a fanny pack from an elderly woman. The subject immediately ran to and entered the rear seat of an awaiting vehicle and the driver accelerated out of the parking lot. Trooper Haight then made contact with the victim and quickly confirmed that a crime had occurred, before attempting to overtake the suspected vehicle.

Upon approaching the intersection of Semoran Boulevard, the suspected vehicle made an abrupt turn into a parking lot and subsequently damaged the undercarriage of the vehicle. Trooper Haight then followed a fluid trail and successfully tracked the suspected vehicle to the rear of a business. As Trooper Haight approached all four occupants of the vehicle exited and fled the area on foot. Trooper Haight managed to parallel the suspects while running, and eventually came face to face with one suspect who drew and pointed a taser in his direction. Trooper Haight then ordered the suspect to drop the weapon, at which time the suspect turned and began fleeing on foot while dropping the fanny pack. The suspect was seen jumping two fences in his effort to elude the officer. During this time, the Winter Park Police Department arrived and began using their K-9’s to track the suspects, who were now out of sight.

With Trooper Haight’s determination and the assistance of the K-9 officers, all four suspects were identified and arrested. Trooper Haight is commended for his actions during this incident and his demonstrated commitment to the people of Florida. Congratulations for being selected Trooper of the Month for September 2010.

October | Trooper Dennis Shorter

Congratulations for being selected as the Florida Highway Patrol Trooper of the Month for October 2010.

On October 30, 2010, while patrolling in St. Johns County, Trooper Dennis Shorter stopped at a Chevron gas station. As Trooper Shorter exited his vehicle a motorist advised him of heavy smoke in the area of Mason Elementary School.

Trooper Shorter left the gas station and drove to the entrance of the school. He did not observe a fire but did notice heavy thick smoke in the area. He continued to patrol on State Road 207, attempting to locate the source of the smoke. Trooper Shorter then noticed a remote driveway and decided to enter and noticed a large fire burning near a mobile home. The fire was burning upward and was quickly approaching the home.

Trooper Shorter then called the FHP Communications Center to notify the St. Johns County Fire Department about the location of the fire and immediately began to check the home for any occupants. Trooper Shorter’s first attempt was unsuccessful. He then utilized his siren and blue flashing lights and awoke two residents who were soundly sleeping in the home. When the two occupants awoke they were very surprised to see that a fire was so close to their home and very grateful that Trooper Shorter was there to save their lives. The fire department arrived shortly thereafter and extinguished the fire saving the home from burning.

Without Trooper Shorter’s quick response and decisive action there would have been grave consequences to this incident. Trooper Shorter is commended for his actions during this incident and his demonstrated commitment to the people of Florida.

November | Trooper Daniel Middleton

Congratulations for being selected as the Florida Highway Patrol Trooper of the Month for November 2010.

On November 1, Trooper Daniel Middleton stopped a vehicle for an illegal window tint violation. Upon speaking with the driver Trooper Middleton detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. A subsequent search of one of the passengers revealed 23 grams of cocaine and 15 grams of marijuana. Trooper Middleton booked the subject into the Pinellas County Jail for Possession of Cocaine, Marijuana and Drug Paraphernalia.

Then on November 18, while working the Skyway Suicide Deterrent Detail Trooper Middleton successfully talked a suicidal subject off the Skyway Bridge. Trooper Middleton’s arrived at the bridge and observed a male subject sitting on the concrete barrier. Trooper Middleton approached the subject who revealed he was upset due to the possibility of being deported from the country.

As the conversation continued the male subject appeared to become more aggressive with the positioning of his body, stated that he had nothing to live for and placed both legs on the water side of the barrier. After 45 minutes Trooper Middleton was finally able to subdue the subject and he was transported to St. Anthony’s hospital for treatment. Without Trooper Middleton’s quick response and decisive action there could have been grave consequences to this incident.

Trooper Middleton is to be commended for his actions during these incidents and his demonstrated commitment to the people of Florida.

December | Trooper Jim Beauford

Congratulations for being selected as the Florida Highway Patrol Trooper of the Month for December 2010.

Trooper Jim Beauford has been employed with the Florida Highway Patrol for almost two years now. During this time he has issued 311 citations, 59 written warnings, 26 faulty equipment cards, two seatbelt arrests and three DUI arrests. Also during this time Trooper Beauford has had one drug case resulting in two drug arrests.

Trooper Beauford’s outstanding enforcement and performance exceeds normal expectations and deserves special recognition. Trooper Beauford is to be commended for his hard work and dedication to the people of Florida.