A Manatee County trooper was honored this week as the state's top traffic officer of the year at the Florida Police Chiefs Conference in St. Augustine.

Lt. Mike Rushing, a 32-year Florida Highway Patrol veteran, was given the award by the Institute of Police Technology and the Florida Department of Transportation's State Safety Office. In 2002, Rushing conducted more than 60 traffic safety programs for area schools, businesses and civic groups. He also distributed more than 200 child safety seats to needy children.