The Florida Highway Patrol recently snapped up a big win, with an assist from Orlando’s Gatorland and Florida’s official state reptile.
FHP’s cruiser was voted best looking in the U.S. in the American Association of State Troopers’ annual competition.
After the final results were tallied, FHP was the clear winner with 181,071 votes, followed by California with just over 142,000 votes. Nevada, Indiana, and Kentucky rounded out the top five spots.
According to FHP, the winning image, shot at Gatorland, featured a 2019 Dodge Charger and a 15-year-old, 8 .5-foot, 180-pound female alligator named Tamale.
“FHP was proud to have participated in this year’s American Association of State Troopers Best Looking Cruiser Contest,” FHP Director Colonel Gary said. “It’s gratifying to see the inclusion and enthusiasm for supporting Florida by citizens, other partners, and our FHP members.”
The agency will be presented with the “Best Looking Cruiser Award” and featured on the cover of AAST’s 2024 wall calendar. Proceeds from calendar sales benefit the American Association of State Troopers Foundation, according to AAST.
“FHP certainly deserves to be the winner of the Best-Looking Cruiser contest! They went all out with their media platforms, law enforcement partners and engaged the citizens of Florida to all get involved,” AAST Executive Director John Bagnardi said. “We are very proud to have the Black and Tan on our cover!”
What does Florida Highway Patrol do?
FHP’s jurisdiction extends throughout the state of Florida and its top priority is to maintain safety on the state’s highways, including patrols, enforcement of traffic laws, crash investigations and assisting stranded motorists.
Florida troopers also enforce commercial vehicle safety and FHP’s Bureau of Criminal Investigations and Intelligence conducts criminal investigations statewide. The agency assists state and local law enforcement, including emergency disaster response.
Is Florida Highway Patrol the same as a state trooper?
Yes, Florida Highway Patrol is the state’s law enforcement agency. Its officers are called state troopers.
Can a Florida state trooper pull you over anywhere?
State troopers have jurisdiction throughout Florida and can enforce the law anywhere in the state.
