Major Ernesto Duarte, CSO Norman Gore, CSO Melissa Linn,
CSO Loquanda Coachman, CSO Niles Olsson, Major Cyrus Brown and Lt. Tony Jung

In October 2003, the Florida Highway Patrol received authorization and funding for 6 Community Service Officer Positions in Orange County. After 6 weeks of Classroom Training and 4 weeks of Field Training with a trooper, four Community Service Officers hit the road in Orlando.

The Community Service Officers or CSO's core mission is to supplement Troopers by investigating minor crashes, assisting disabled motorists, and providing other assistance where required. Therefore, Troopers are afforded an opportunity to concentrate more of their efforts on investigating serious crashes and conducting preventative proactive enforcement. As a result, the citizens of our state are better served.

CSO's are provided with 240 hours of classroom training as well as an additional 160 hours of field training prior to their release to solo patrol. Subject matters include a wide range of topics to prepare them for the mission of CSO. This training and the high standards set by the instructors make certain that the quality of services provided by the Florida Highway Patrol to the citizens and visitors of this state are consistent with our agency's tradition of excellence.

In 2002, Orange County Troopers responded to 42,000 crashes. Thus, the addition of these four new members is greatly appreciated by our members, as well as the residents and visitors of Orlando. The FHP congratulates them and welcomes them to our DHSMV family.