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Published on Monday, August 12, 2002
in the Stuart News
The Florida Highway Patrol is looking for you.
Troopers are asking for able-bodied candidates, ages 19 and up, to join their all-volunteer FHP auxiliary, members of which play a critical role in public safety throughout the state.
Facing the same dangers and excitement as state troopers, the uniformed volunteers assist motorists and back troopers on the highways, at accidents scenes and in traffic jams, freeing sworn personnel for emergency calls.
"They're our support personnel," said FHP Lt. Pembrook Burrows. "These guys are out there on a holiday, when they could be out with their family, keeping the roads safe."
But the auxiliary is in great need of volunteers to boost its ranks, Burrows said.
"They really need some help," he said. "They're authorized for twice as many as we have."
Along with roles in public safety, calling in DUIs and responding to any situation, auxiliary troopers provide something just as important to troopers themselves: "They watch our backs," Burrows said.
"We patrol most of the interstates and main highways to help people who are broken down and back up troopers at wrecks," Auxiliary State Trooper Gordon Michael said Friday, before setting out on patrol.
Michael, 46, a full-time citrus grower who works 50 to 80 hours a month as a trooper, had about 80 miles to patrol on his shift, from Indian River to Jupiter, helping in any way he can.
"We've been exposed to everything the trooper is exposed to but we're doing it for free," he said. "But it gives you satisfaction ... when you're helping someone change a tire with all the mosquitoes," and see them safely on their way.
Michael, a volunteer since 1993, is one of about 400 auxiliary troopers from all walks of life statewide who work a minimum of eight hours a month, especially during holidays.
They will be out in force along with regular troopers during the upcoming Labor Day weekend.
Last year, auxiliary troopers worked more than 250,000 volunteer hours, saving the agency $2.5 million, or 17 full-time state troopers, Michael said.
The auxiliary members wear nearly the same familiar FHP uniform and carry weapons, but can make arrests only under the direct supervision of troopers.
Volunteers must meet the same rigorous physical challenges and background checks as state troopers. They must be U.S. citizens, 19 or older, possess a high school diploma or GED and be of good financial and moral standing.
As long as the requirements are met, there is no top age limit, Burrows said.
Periodic free training classes are provided by the FHP or candidates can pay for classes at local colleges. The three months of training include criminal and traffic law, self defense, firearms training, first aid and other courses.
Uniforms and equipment are provided and auxiliary troopers receive medical benefits only if they are hurt on the job.
Volunteers who pass a driving course are allowed to drive patrol cars and provide "the visibility of another patrol car on the interstates," Burrows said.
For Michael, who served as an Indian River County Sheriff's Office deputy before taking over his family business, "the auxiliary allowed me to work my own family business and still participate in law enforcement and give back to the community and help people."
That and, "It's a blast. I love it."