2019 Duty Officer of the Quarter

January through March | Duty Officer Supervisor Ryan Albin

Congratulations to Duty Officer Supervisor Ryan Albin for his selection as the Florida Highway Patrol Duty Officer of the Quarter for January through March 2019.

On Friday, March 1, 2019, Duty Officer Supervisor Kristin Costa began to cough a great deal while she was eating. She continued to cough and then started to gasp for air, which caused her to then panic. She stood up from her desk and indicated to Albin that she was choking. Albin took immediate action and administered the Heimlich Maneuver. Albin administered abdominal thrusts until her airway was clear and she was able to breathe again. DOS Costa made a full recovery and didn’t require any further medical attention.

Albin’s immediate response to DOS Costa’s distress prevented a tragedy. Albin’s quick and decisive actions make him an asset to the Florida Highway Patrol. Albin is commended for his exceptional job performance and his willingness to go above and beyond his job duties.

April through June | Communication Training Officer Kristin Amberg

Congratulations to Communication Training Officer Kristin Amberg for her selection as the Florida Highway Patrol Duty Officer of the Quarter for April through June 2019.

On Tuesday, May 14, 2019, Amberg received a call from a person who said his sister had contacted him and said she needed to go to the hospital. The sister had left his house earlier and wasn’t feeling well when she left. Her last known location was approximately sixty miles from Tampa, and she was no longer answering her telephone. He also explained that his sister had a history of medical issues.

Amberg recognized the seriousness of the situation, and after gathering necessary information from the brother, Amberg attempted to call the sister. The sister did answer but was unresponsive after saying hello. Amberg was able to hear her breathing in the background. Amberg immediately called AT&T to track the cell phone and she was able to identify her location on I-75. Amberg contacted EMS and notified the Traffic Management Center so they could attempt to locate the vehicle on camera. During this time, a trooper was also dispatched to her location.

Throughout the incident Amberg remained calm, despite it being a stressful situation. Amberg took the extra steps to help locate the woman to ensure she received the medical attention she needed. Amberg’s quick and decisive actions make her an asset to the Florida Highway Patrol. Amberg is commended for her exceptional job performance and her willingness to go above and beyond her job duties.

July through September | Regional Duty Officer Debra Griffin

Congratulations to Regional Duty Officer Debra Griffin for her selection as the Florida Highway Patrol Duty Officer of the Quarter for July through September 2019.

On Saturday, September 7, 2019, while working the Leon console for Troop H, Griffin received a call from the Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) advising they had a shooting call at the Governors Square Regal Theater and a person had been shot. Griffin immediately dispatched troopers to the scene to assist in locking down the area to look for the gunman.

Once the troopers responded, Griffin advised TPD that she would connect our channel and their channel together so the officers could speak to each other and know exactly what was happening. Griffin then had all other traffic moved to the Gadsden County radio channel and advised the Leon channel was on emergency traffic. Griffin continuously kept the notes up to date and the TWS notified.

Griffin displayed professionalism, empathy and teamwork that day and she was an excellent representation of the Florida Highway Patrol’s values, goals and mission within the communication center. Griffin is commended for her exceptional job performance and her willingness to go above and beyond her job duties.

October through December | Ms. Fanny M. Macias

Congratulations to Ms. Fanny Macias for being selected as the Florida Highway Patrol Civilian Employee of the Quarter from October through December 2019.

During this quarter, Macias worked diligently to accurately and thoroughly assist in completing her troop’s inventory before the established deadline. In addition, Macias played an integral role in the CFA accreditation assessment in Troop E by providing critical information and ensuring the facility’s overall cleanliness, neatness, and organization.

Macias is to be commended for her exceptional job performance and her willingness to go above and beyond her job duties. Macias’ actions help better the Florida Highway Patrol.