L-R: Trooper R. Harrigill, Trooper P. Patroni, Auxiliary Trooper R. Kafka,
Trooper W. Rittenhouse, Sergeant J. C. Faircloth, Trooper T. Glazebrook, and Trooper J. Watts

The Emerald Coast MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) Chapter recently held a candlelight vigil and law enforcement recognition ceremony at Bartram Park in Pensacola to honor victims and others impacted by impaired driving. A candlelight procession followed to the New World Landing where the Law Enforcement Recognition Dinner was held. The guest speaker this year was Assistant State Attorney John Molchan who has always been a strong supporter of MADD and local law enforcement in making an impact on impaired driving. Thirty two troopers were recognized for their local DUI enforcement efforts, including Trooper Rob Harrigill who was honored for the 118 DUI arrests (highest number) he made this past year. These troopers are to be commended for their continued dedication to removing impaired drivers from the roadways of Florida.

L-R: Sergeant J. C. Faircloth, Trooper S. Fisher, and
Trooper T. Glazebrook hold candles at the vigil.

Trooper Gonzalez called for back-up from a member of FHP’s Contraband Interdiction Team who uses specially trained K-9s to detect narcotics. After the presence of drugs was confirmed, a subsequent search revealed a loaded 9MM handgun, two loaded high capacity magazines, and a Remington 870 pump-action shotgun, also loaded. The trailer was full of hydroponic marijuana cultivation equipment with marijuana residue evident. The driver was immediately arrested.

As part of the follow up investigation, Sergeant Kelly, Trooper Gonzalez, and members of the Palm Beach County Federal Drug Enforcement Administration Task force made contact with another subject at a private residence in Loxahatchee, Florida. At the residence officers detected an overwhelming odor of raw marijuana. A search of the residence resulted in the discovery of an elaborate hydroponic marijuana grow house. In all, 69 marijuana plants and over seven pounds of marijuana were removed from the residence. A second suspect was also arrested.