2021 Trooper of the Month

January | Trooper David Cox

Congratulations to Trooper David Cox for being selected as the recipient for the Florida Highway Patrol Trooper of the Month for January 2021.

On January 3, 2021, Cox received a BOLO on a vehicle occupied by two passengers who were reportedly armed and suspected of robbing two victims at gun point, taking their cell phone, and abducting their five-month-old child. The cell phone was pinged allowing law enforcement to locate the suspects in the parking lot of a shopping plaza. Cox arrived at the location and observed the suspect vehicle. Driving an unmarked vehicle, Cox was able to approach and observe the suspects before pulling behind the vehicle and initiating a felony traffic stop. Cox apprehended the suspects and safely retrieved the child without further incident or harm. During Cox’s investigation, the handgun used in the robbery and the victims’ cell phone were also recovered.

Cox is to be commended for his actions. Cox’s awareness and quick response ended a dangerous situation. Cox is a true asset to the Florida Highway Patrol, and he exemplifies what it is to be a Florida State Trooper.

February | Trooper Ernest Placencia

Congratulations for being selected as the recipient for the Florida Highway Patrol Trooper of the Month for February 2021.

On February 3, 2021, you were working an Off-Duty Police Employment detail. While stopped and assisting with traffic control, you were seated in your patrol car with the emergency lights activated, when a male subject approached your vehicle with a firearm displayed. You immediately unholstered and discharged your firearm, striking the subject and neutralizing the threat.

You are to be commended for your actions. Your awareness and quick response resulted in the end of a potentially dangerous situation. You are a true asset to the Florida Highway Patrol and you exemplify what it is to be a Florida State Trooper.

March | Auxiliary Trooper Peter Christie and Trooper Michael Allen

Congratulations to Auxiliary Trooper Peter Christie and Trooper Michael Allen for being selected as the co-recipients for the Florida Highway Patrol Trooper of the Month for March 2021.

On March 30, 2021 at approximately 2:08 a.m., Auxiliary Trooper Peter Christie and Trooper Michael Allen initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling in excess of the posted speed limit. The driver of the vehicle immediately notified you that his wife was in labor and that he was trying to get to the hospital. Trooper Allen requested Emergency Medical Services to respond to your location.

Auxiliary Trooper Peter Christie approached the passenger side of the vehicle and observed the mother in active labor. Trooper Allen retrieved blankets from his vehicle, laying them out for the mother to lie on with one draped over her. Trooper Allen grabbed a backpack to support her head. After several minutes, the driver, yelled “Baby!” as the mother delivered the baby girl. Trooper Allen received the baby from the driver and began to pat the baby’s back and assist with clearing any fluid from the lungs, allowing for an unobstructed airway. The baby began to cry, and he returned the baby to the driver to hold. During this time, Auxiliary Trooper Peter Christie checked on another young child in the car until EMS arrived on scene.

Both of you are to be commended for your actions. You both worked in tandem with your fellow trooper to ensure that the baby girl was delivered into the world safely. You are both a true asset to the Florida Highway Patrol and exemplify what it is to be a Florida State Trooper.

April | Trooper Stewart Gomez and Trooper Alain Naranjo

Congratulations to Trooper Stewart Gomez and Trooper Alain Naranjo being selected co-recipients for the Florida Highway Patrol Trooper of the Month for April 2021.

On April 27, 2021, Trooper Gomez and Trooper Naranjo responded to the report of a traffic crash in the area of State Road 821. Upon arrival they observed that the vehicle was partially covered with a tarp and the vehicle tag was not visible. As they cautiously approached they observed a male in the rear section of the vehicle with a machete in his hand. The male kicked the door open and charged towards Trooper Naranjo with the machete raised. Trooper Gomez and Trooper Naranjo retreated to a safe distance and gave loud verbal commands to drop the machete and get on the ground. After several commands, the subject complied, and the subject was secured without further incident. Upon investigation, it was determined that the subject was responsible for several strong-armed robberies within the city of Doral.

Trooper Naranjo and Trooper Gomez are to be commended for their actions. They worked in tandem to de-escalate the situation and ensure that the subject did not harm anyone. They are a true asset to the Florida Highway Patrol, and exemplify what it is to be a Florida State Trooper.

May | Trooper Harold Robinson

Congratulations for being selected as the recipient for the Florida Highway Patrol Trooper of the Month for May 2021.

On May 3, 2021, you observed a vehicle on the shoulder of Interstate 95 and discovered the driver was in severe distress suffering from a gunshot wound. You rendered emergency aid by applying direct pressure to his wound until EMS arrived. After the driver was transported to Delray Medical Center in critical condition, it was noted that he most likely would not have survived if not for your life-saving actions.

You are to be commended for your actions. Your quick response resulted in saving the life of the young man. You are a true asset to the Florida Highway Patrol and exemplify what it is to be a Florida State Trooper.

June | Trooper Joshua Davenport and Trooper Andrew Schmidt

Congratulations for being selected as the co-recipients for the Florida Highway Patrol Trooper of the Month for June 2021.

On June 20, 2021, while assisting the Sumter County Sheriffs Office, Trooper Davenport and Trooper Schmidt were notified of shots fired at a Father’s Day Event in Royal Park, Florida. Upon arriving, they discovered five shooting victims. They rendered life-saving emergency medical care to multiple shooting victims until EMS arrived. Further, Trooper Schmidt secured a handgun from the waistband of one victim, ensuring the safety of civilians and first responders.

They are to be commended for their actions. They willingly ran into the line of fire and maintained their composure while working in tandem to ensure the scene was secure and provide medical attention to the victims. They are a true asset to the Florida Highway Patrol and exemplify what it is to be a Florida State Trooper.

July | Trooper Michael Leckinger

Congratulations for being selected as the recipient for the Florida Highway Patrol Trooper of the Month for July 2021.

On July 16, 2021, while assigned to Operation Lone Star in Kinney County, Texas, Trooper Leckinger was working with Texas Trooper Gary Bullard. They conducted a traffic stop of a speeding vehicle and observed a male passenger holding his left hand, which was bleeding profusely. The passenger informed Trooper Leckinger that he cut his fingers off with a circular skill saw. Trooper Leckinger immediately retrieved an Active Shooter First Aid Kit and rendered aid by applying a tourniquet to his left forearm, QuikClot to stop the bleeding, then applying two medical compresses and elevating his arm. He also obtained his medical history of taking blood thinners and being a type-two diabetic to provide to the EMS team. Due to the severity of his injuries, the passenger was flown via Del Rio Life Flight to San Antonio University Hospital.

Trooper Leckinger is to be commended for his lifesaving actions. By utilizing his training and experience in providing first aid, he undoubtedly saved the passengers life. The Border Patrol medic noted that he would have succumbed to blood loss from his injuries had Trooper Leckinger not provided immediate first aid. Further, the surgeons were able to reattach his fingers. Trooper Leckinger is a true asset to the Florida Highway Patrol and exemplifies what it is to be a Florida State Trooper.

August | Trooper Ernesto Placencia

Congratulations Trooper Placencia for being selected as the recipient for the Florida Highway Patrol Trooper of the Month for August 2021.

On August 21, 2021, Trooper Placencia drove to a crash site in the City of Fort Lauderdale and observed a person trapped underneath a Honda CRV. The person was determined to be a motorcyclist who was involved in a collision with the Honda. With the assistance from other motorists, Trooper Placencia was able to lift the vehicle off the ground, enabling the motorcyclist to be pulled from under the vehicle. Trooper Placencia then rendered first aid until Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue arrived to transport the victim to the hospital.

Trooper Placencia is to be commended for his actions. His quick response and first aid assisted in helping this motorcyclist survive. Trooper Placencia is a true asset to the Florida Highway Patrol and exemplifies what it is to be a Florida State Trooper.

October | Trooper Reginald Mathieu

Congratulations Trooper Mathieu for being selected as the recipient for the Florida Highway Patrol Trooper of the Month for October 2021 for your actions.

On October 16, 2021, while investigating a two-vehicle crash, Trooper Mathieu was approached by a family member soliciting help for a choking toddler near the crash scene. Trooper Mathieu proceeded to the location of the 19-month-old toddler. He recognized that the toddler’s airway was compromised, so he administered back blows to expel the blockage from the toddler’s airway. After successfully restoring the airway, with assistance from the Miami Regional Communication Center, Trooper Reginald Mathieu requested emergency medical services to evaluate the toddler for any other medical issues.

Trooper Mathieu is to be commended for his exemplary performance during this lifesaving event. His quick response resulted in preventing this from becoming a tragic situation. Trooper Mathieu is a true asset to the Florida Highway Patrol and exemplifies what it is to be a Florida State Trooper.

November | Trooper Adael Acosta and Trooper Cody Brown

Congratulations Trooper Acosta and Trooper Brown for being selected as the co-recipients for the Florida Highway Patrol Trooper of the Month for November 2021.

On November 23, 2021, while traveling on Interstate 95, Trooper Acosta and Trooper Brown noticed several motorists waving for help. They also observed a large box truck overturned on its side. It was partially hanging over the edge of a canal with a gas leak and smoke emitting from the vehicle. After notifying the Lake Worth Regional Communications Center, they stopped to assist.

Upon stopping, Trooper Acosta retrieved a fire extinguisher from the patrol vehicle and sprayed the undercarriage and engine compartment to avoid the leaking gas from igniting.

Trooper Brown climbed on top of the truck where he observed two occupants trapped with serious injuries. Unable to pry the door open due to the crash damage, he used his ASP baton to break a side window. He lifted the passenger from the vehicle and safely to the ground. Then he returned to the box truck and, with assistance of a St. Lucie County Firefighter, was able to free the driver from under the steering column. Both occupants were transported to Lawnwood Regional Medical Center with serious injuries.

Trooper Acosta and Trooper Brown are to be commended for their quick thinking and extraordinary efforts during this event. They are a true asset to the Florida Highway Patrol and exemplify what it is to be a Florida State Trooper.

December | Trooper Ethan Foran

Congratulations for being selected as the recipient for the Florida Highway Patrol Trooper off the Month for December 2021.

On December 23, 2021, Trooper Foran responded to a medical emergency call with the Gretna Police Department in Gadsden County, Florida. Upon arrival, he located an unresponsive male face down in the yard. After a quick assessment, he noted that he had no pulse and was not breathing. Trooper Foran immediately began chest compressions while the Gretna Officer retrieved Trooper Foran’s Automated External Defibrillator (AED). After Trooper Foran attached the AED pads to the patient, the AED advised no shock. Trooper Foran and the Gretna Officer began two-person CPR for approximately two minutes until the patient began to breathe again. Trooper Foran reassessed the patient and found a pulse. EMS arrived on scene and he advised them of the patient’s status. The patient was transported to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital where he was admitted in stable condition.

Trooper Foran responded quickly to this medical emergency, assessed an unresponsive patient and applied the necessary techniques of CPR to save a man’s life. His actions resulted in preventing this from becoming a tragic situation. Trooper Foran is a true asset to the Florida Highway Patrol and exemplifies what it is to be a Florida State Trooper.