2018 Trooper of the Year

Trooper Nicholas Dolan

On February 26, 2017, Trooper Nicholas Dolan responded to assist the Marion and Citrus County Sheriff’s Offices in a pursuit of a suspect who was suspected of shooting a high-powered rifle across State Road 200 in Marion County. Trooper Dolan intercepted the pursuit at US Highway 41, south of Floral Park in Citrus County. Trooper Dolan observed the suspect’s white dually pickup traveling towards him as the suspect’s vehicle passed him, he observed the driver point a handgun at him. Trooper Dolan then made a U-Turn and assumed the position of lead vehicle behind the suspect. Trooper Dolan initiated a PIT maneuver on the suspect vehicle. The vehicle was forced off the roadway onto the eastern grass shoulder and into a ditch. Trooper Dolan intentionally engaged the rear of the vehicle with the front of his patrol vehicle after the PIT due to his concern the suspect would back up and continue traveling to a more populated area. This action pinned the suspect’s vehicle in the ditch rendering it unable to move. The suspect, wearing a tactical vest and pants, immediately exited the vehicle with the firearm in his hand, attempting to point it at Trooper Dolan. Trooper Dolan was able to exit his vehicle and engage the suspect with gunfire, along with Citrus County Deputies. The suspect was struck several times by gunfire but remained standing with his handgun. Trooper Dolan and the Deputies continued firing at the suspect until he finally fell to the ground. Trooper Dolan approached the suspect, disarmed him, and safely secured him in handcuffs. Another loaded magazine and multiple loose rounds of ammunition were found in the suspect’s tactical vest. The suspect suffered fatal injuries as a result of this encounter.