FHP Looking for a Few Good Recruits

LAND O’ LAKES, FL — Tampa Bay area residents with their hearts set on protecting and serving may want to jot down an upcoming date. The Florida Highway Patrol is playing host to a local career fair on Thursday, Nov. 17.

The fair is designed to help applicants interested in filling open positions in Land O’ Lakes, Tampa, Brooksville and other areas find out more about what is entailed. It is set to take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Suncoast Office Operations Building, 6638 Suncoast Parkway, in Land O’ Lakes.

In order to be a trooper, applicants must be at least 19 years old and they must be citizens of the United States. A minimum correctable vision of 20/30 is also required as is a high school diploma or equivalent. Candidates must have a valid driver’s license and one of the following: a year of law enforcement experience (sworn or non-sworn), two years of public contact experience, two years of active continuous military experience with an honorable discharge or 30 completed semester or 45-quarter hours of college credits. Other information about requirements is available on FHP’s website.

Troopers make a starting salary of $33,977.04 a year. Those assigned to Lee, Collier, Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, however, earn a starting pay of $38,976.84 a year. The patrol offers paid training, career advancement potential, a tuition-free education plan and other benefits, as well.

Potential applicants with additional questions may reach out to Sgt. Mellow Scheetz in FHP’s recruitment section by calling 850-617-2336. More information is also available via the www.BeATrooper.com website.

For other job opportunities in the Tampa Bay area and across the state, visit your local Patch’s homepage.

Photo courtesy of the Florida Highway Patrol