DHSMV and FHP staff members
visit the new academy

On Monday, October 6, 2003, Colonel Chris Knight, Executive Director Fred Dickinson, Deputy Executive Director David Westberry, and other members of the FHP executive staff were given a walk-through of the new FHP Academy building under construction at the Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy in Gadsden County.

Mr. Jim Murdaugh, the Training Center Director at the Pat Thomas facility and Mr. Ken Dees, the Building Coordinator for Tallahassee Community College, guided the staff members through the new classroom and administrative areas. The facility will allow for multiple FHP recruit classes as well as integrated classes with other state and local agencies.

The new FHP Academy under construction.

The classroom portion of the new academy should be completed by late December, 2003. The administrative building is scheduled to be complete by early summer 2004. A 200-bed dormitory section, which will have private bed and bathroom facilities, should be completed sometime in late 2004.

Colonel Knight speaks with the media about the new academy.

Colonel Knight was very impressed with the pace of construction, and stated that he was "excited about the future opportunities for our troopers when they come for training in the new state of the art building."