2023 Trooper of the Month

January | Trooper John Schilling

Congratulations to Trooper John Schilling for being selected as the recipient for the Florida Highway Patrol Trooper of the Month for January 2023.

On January 18, 2023, while completing a Commercial Vehicle Inspection, Trooper Schilling overheard a report of a young boy stuck in the mud up to his chest about 10 miles from his location. He released the commercial vehicle and its driver and responded to the Mashes Sands area. The area is known for its vast, deep mud flats where the tide moves in and out, flooding the area. Upon arrival, he was flagged down by a female who pointed to the direction of where the boy was located. He exited his vehicle and removed his gun belt and vest and located the boy about 75 yards from the bridge, up to his chest in mud. With the assistance of a paramedic, Trooper Schilling made his way to the boy. He freed the boy’s arms from the mud, holding on to him, keeping him calm and reassuring him as he waited for more assistance. Wakulla Fire and Rescue arrived on scene and brought a ladder so it could be used for leverage. With everyone working together, the boy was freed from the mud.

Trooper Schilling is to be commended for going above and beyond, without hesitation, to assist this young boy, making sure he returned home safely. His actions reflect the highest standards of the Florida Highway Patrol and demonstrates the epitome of what it means to serve and protect.

February | Trooper Steven Turner

Congratulations to Trooper Steven Turner for being selected as the recipient for the Florida Highway Patrol Trooper of the Month for February 2023.

On February 4, 2023, Trooper Steven Turner responded to the area of I-75 and Overpass Road in reference to an active pursuit of burglary suspects who were driving a stolen vehicle. During the pursuit, one of the suspects discharged a firearm at passing motorists. Trooper Turner engaged in the pursuit and, as the suspects exited I-75, he successfully initiated a PIT maneuver rendering the suspect vehicle inoperative. Both suspects exited the vehicle and fled on foot. Trooper Turner gave chase to one of the suspects, knowing the suspect may be armed with a firearm. As Trooper Turner attempted to apprehend the suspect, the suspect displayed a firearm and discharged one round, striking Trooper Turner in the abdomen. Trooper Turner returned fire, neutralizing the threat to the public.

Trooper Turner’s actions reflect the highest standards of the Florida Highway Patrol and demonstrate the epitome of what it means to serve and protect.

March | Trooper James Allen, Jr.

Congratulations to Trooper James Allen, Jr. for being selected as the recipient for the Florida Highway Patrol Trooper of the Month for March 2023.

On March 27, 2023, Trooper James Allen, Jr. responded to a hit-and-run crash on I-10. Upon arrival, he observed a vehicle on the outside shoulder with an injured woman in front of it. The woman, a pedestrian, had sustained severe injuries to her arms and legs after a truck tractor-semi-trailer combination struck her. After observing the devastating injuries to the victim’s lower extremities and a large amount of blood loss, Trooper Allen immediately applied a tourniquet to her right leg. He relayed this information to the TRCC and requested EMS immediately. Due to weather, all three medical helicopters were restricted from flying. The victim was in shock, and Trooper Allen kept her calm while awaiting their arrival. When Gadsden EMS arrived, Trooper Allen continued to assist the victim onto a backboard and stretcher. The victim was transported to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital. Once she was in stable condition, the doctor briefed the family and said that Trooper Allen saved her life by applying the tourniquet.

Trooper Allen’s actions reflect our mission to promote a safe and secure Florida through professional law enforcement and traffic safety awareness.

April | Corporal Blake Minton

Congratulations to Corporal Blake Minton for being selected as the recipient for the Florida Highway Patrol Trooper of the Month for April 2023.

Corporal Minton was off duty with his family when he witnessed a catastrophic crash involving a dump truck and a Smart Car on County Road 884 in Lee County. The Smart Car was occupied by an 88-year-old grandmother and her 10-year-old granddaughter. Corporal Minton immediately engaged and approached the driver’s side of the crashed Smart Car to render assistance while others called 911. Upon evaluating the elderly driver, he was not able to identify a pulse. He then observed a small child in the passenger’s seat and immediately focused his attention on her. He removed her seatbelt and extricated her from the car. Corporal Minton and an off-duty ICU Nurse rendered aid and performed chest compressions on the little girl until they were relieved by Lee County EMS. The little girl sustained critical injuries in the crash and has a long road to recovery. Corporal Minton’s actions, along with the nurse, undoubtedly saved the life of this little girl.

Corporal Minton displayed the highest level of character and selflessness. His actions while off duty, while accompanied by family, are a commendable representation that shows his commitment to the goals and objectives of the Florida Highway Patrol. This clearly demonstrates the epitome of what it means to serve and protect.

May | Trooper Scott Mills

Congratulations to Trooper Scott Mills for being selected as the recipient for the Florida Highway Patrol Trooper of the Month for May 2023.

Trooper Mills witnessed the aftermath of a traffic crash in Saint John’s County, where an SUV struck a pickup truck, causing the SUV to burst into flames. The driver and passenger of the SUV were an elderly couple and were disoriented and confused after the crash. Due to the acceleration of the fire, coupled with the unresponsiveness of the occupants, Trooper Mills acted quickly to remove the driver first, then directed bystanders to assist the passenger. Both occupants were moved to a safe location and expected to recover fully.

Without hesitation, Trooper Mills placed himself in a position to ensure a positive outcome to a potentially fatal situation. His actions are commendable for a job well done. He truly represents what a Florida Highway Patrol Trooper should aspire to be.

June | Trooper David Blake

Congratulations to Trooper David Blake for being selected as the recipient for the Florida Highway Patrol Trooper of the Month for June 2023.

Trooper Blake was dispatched to a vehicle of a subject who had been transported to Gulf Coast Medical Center, and Baker Acted. During his investigation, Trooper Blake located several weapons, including rifles with suppressors, pistols, and knives. He also found ammunition, a ballistic vest, surveillance equipment, and numerous documents leading Trooper Blake to believe the subject had planned to commit a mass shooting at an out-of-state church. He documented and collected the evidence, then made proper notifications to intelligence and outside agencies to ensure the subject would not have access to weapons in the future. The FBI and ATF took over the investigation.

Trooper Blake’s actions in “looking beyond the immediate” played an integral part in this investigation and undoubtedly saved lives.

July | Trooper Luke Krupinski

Congratulations to Trooper Luke Krupinski for being selected as the recipient for the Florida Highway Patrol Trooper of the Month for July 2023.

Trooper Krupinski was notified of a BOLO from the SRCC regarding a vehicle traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of Interstate 4. He was the first unit to arrive in the area and as he entered onto the entrance ramp of Interstate 4 from State Road 423, he observed the suspect vehicle approaching him. He positioned his patrol vehicle ahead of the approaching vehicle to block it from reaching the busy intersection of SR-423. As the suspect vehicle’s driver swerved to go around Trooper Krupinski, the trooper quickly reacted and prevented the vehicle from entering the intersection. As a result, the suspect’s vehicle traveled onto the north shoulder of the entrance ramp and collided with a tree.

The suspect was transported to the hospital for a medical evaluation and was subsequently Baker Acted. Trooper Krupinski sustained minor injuries during the incident, placing himself in harm’s way to protect the motoring public.

Trooper Krupinski’s actions undoubtedly saved lives, as the wrong-way driver would have entered an extremely busy intersection with perilous results. While Trooper Krupinski’s actions were truly heroic on July 24, 2023, this is another example of how our members are often in harm’s way while serving and protecting the residents and visitors of Florida.

August | Trooper Joshua Lugo and Trooper Jordan Roberts

Congratulations to Trooper Joshua Lugo and Trooper Jordan Roberts for being selected as the co-recipients of the Florida Highway Patrol Trooper of the Month for August 2023.

On August 12, 2023, Trooper Lugo and Trooper Roberts aided the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office in apprehending an armed domestic violence suspect who had shot a female victim with a child. Upon being confronted by responding Pasco sheriff’s deputies, the criminal turned his gun on them. The criminal fled the area and a pursuit by Pasco deputies ensued. The pursuit continued into Hillsborough County with FHP assisting. The criminal eventually lost control of his car, crashing into a retention pond, and fled on foot. As law enforcement caught up to him, he engaged police in a gun battle firing in the direction of Trooper Roberts. Trooper Roberts returned fire to stop the imminent deadly threat to himself and others. Trooper Lugo utilized his issued shotgun and joined Trooper Roberts on the front line to assist in stopping the threat. Once the fleeing criminal stopped shooting towards police, Trooper Lugo began advancing toward him as the criminal attempted to hide behind a building. Trooper Lugo and a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Sergeant located the criminal nearby lying unconscious from apparent gunshot wounds. Trooper Roberts and other law enforcement officers arrived and began life-saving measures. The wounded criminal was transported to Tampa General Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

It was later determined that the suspect had 54 prior felony charges, 31 convictions, and had spent 4 years in a Florida state prison.

Trooper Lugo’s and Trooper Robert’s actions undoubtedly saved others from being victimized by this fleeing criminal. We were fortunate that there were no law enforcement officers injured during this incident. Our members were heroically in harm’s way and selflessly engaged to protect others.

September | Sergeant Dennis Hobbs

Congratulations to Sergeant Dennis Hobbs for being selected as the recipient of the Florida Highway Patrol Trooper of the Month for September 2023.

While assisting with traffic control for a local elementary school, Sergeant Dennis Hobbs observed a father with his child in a stroller attempting to lawfully cross the road in a marked crosswalk. After witnessing a vehicle failing to yield to the pedestrian traffic, Sergeant Hobbs attempted to gain compliance from the driver, who continued driving.  A second motor vehicle approached and struck Sergeant Hobbs, throwing him onto the top of the vehicle’s hood and then onto the asphalt as the vehicle stopped.  The father and child were safe thanks to Sergeant Hobbs’s quick and selfless actions who placed himself in harm’s way to protect them. The elderly driver of the vehicle that struck Sergeant Hobbs was cited for Violation of Right of Way.  Fortunately, Sergeant Hobbs suffered only minor injuries from the collision.

Sergeant Hobbs’ actions likely saved the lives of the father and child as they were attempting to cross the road.  His continued dedication and work toward the goals and objectives of the Florida Highway Patrol are a representation of what all law enforcement officers should aspire to be.

October | Trooper Joseph Foresteire

Congratulations to Trooper Joseph Foresteire for being selected as the recipient of the Florida Highway Patrol Trooper of the Month for October 2023.

On October 10, 2023, Trooper Foresteire was approached by a frantic female who advised that her child was unresponsive, unconscious, and not breathing in her vehicle. Trooper Foresteire alerted TBRCC to request EMS and immediately responded to the vehicle. He directed the female to remove the child and place him at the rear of his patrol car. He assessed the child and determined that he did not have a pulse. Trooper Foresteire retrieved his AED and attached the pads. It advised “No Shock Advised” and “Begin CPR.” He and a passerby, later identified as a Registered Nurse, began CPR until the Hillsborough County Fire Rescue arrived. The child was transported to St. Joseph’s Hospital, where he fully recovered.

Trooper Foresteire’s actions saved the life of a child. His dedication to serve and his commitment to training represent what it is to be a Florida State Trooper.

November| Trooper Trent Sistrunk

Congratulations to Trooper Trent Sistrunk for being selected as the recipient for the Florida Highway Patrol Trooper of the Month for November 2023.

On November 16, 2023, JRCC SLED Supervisor Daniel Bodden and SLED Duty Officer Hayden Suderman became aware of Missing Person information that may be pertinent to their region. They quickly relayed the pertinent BOLO information regarding a missing juvenile from Wisconsin that was suspected to have been traveling on a Greyhound bus headed to Georgia. Trooper Trent Sistrunk located the Greyhound bus and initiated a stop. After contacting the bus driver, Trooper Sistrunk checked the driver’s passenger roster and made several announcements to the passengers that he was looking for someone by the juvenile’s name. With no response, he walked the bus aisle to confirm the passengers aboard and ensure the juvenile was not aboard. When he reached the rear of the bus, he noticed a young juvenile playing on her phone with her head covered by the hoodie and jacket. Trooper Sistrunk asked the juvenile if she was the individual in question, and she confirmed she was. He told the young lady she was not in trouble and escorted her from the bus. DCF was notified and during an interview with the juvenile, it was confirmed she was the victim of multiple criminal offenses occurring in Florida and other states. Due to the nature of those crimes and multiple jurisdictions, the Federal Bureau of Investigation is taking the case and continuing investigation.

Trooper Sistrunk rescued this missing juvenile and took her out of harm’s way. His actions undoubtedly saved her from further victimization and provided for a positive life change that the impacts of which will be seen for many years to come. His attention to detail exemplifies the effort the Florida Highway Patrol puts towards assisting victims of crimes and the public in general.

December| Trooper Jacob Post

Congratulations to Trooper Jacob Post for being selected as the recipient for the Florida Highway Patrol Trooper of the Month for December 2023.

While assisting another unit with a hit-and-run follow-up on December 24, 2023, Trooper Post was approached by a male subject who advised him that his son had been stabbed. Trooper Post responded to the victim’s location. He determined that the victim was stable and requested EMS and Miami-Dade Police to respond. Trooper Post and the other units located the suspect and took him into custody without further incident.

In a separate incident on December 25, 2023, Trooper Post responded to a shooting and, upon arrival, located a victim who had suffered a gunshot wound to his leg. He applied a tourniquet while awaiting EMS personnel. The victim was airlifted to Ryder Trauma, where he underwent medical treatment. Trooper Post’s actions and work exemplify the goals and objectives of the Florida Highway Patrol and represent how a law enforcement officer aspires to act when assisting others in danger.