By Ryan Burr
Panama City News-Herald
August 06, 2007


Gov. Charlie Crist has signed legislation to provide certain retirement benefits to members of the Florida Highway Patrol Auxiliary. Crist made the announcement last week.

“Alongside our troopers, the brave men and women of the Florida Highway Patrol Auxiliary face danger every day,” Crist said in a news release. “There are countless benefits to the service they provide, and we are tremendously grateful for their commitment.”

Bill sponsors Rep. Marti Coley, R-Marianna, and Sen. Stephen Wise, R-Jacksonville, joined Crist for the bill-signing ceremony.

The legislation allows the FHPA to present a retiring officer with one complete uniform, the badge worn by the officer, a service handgun and an identification card marked “retired.” It also removes the provision prohibiting compensation to individuals who volunteer for the FHPA.

Coley’s late husband, Rep. David Coley, was a FHPA volunteer for 20 years, so she is familiar with what the volunteers provide.

“Before (this legislation), they got nothing, just a thank you,” Coley said. “But the auxiliary were out there during hurricanes, maintaining safety. This a small gesture for them.”

The FHPA was founded in 1957. Auxiliary law enforcement officers assist the Florida Highway Patrol and have the authority to perform certain law enforcement functions, while under the direct supervision of a full-time or part-time law enforcement officer. There are 428 members of the Florida Highway Patrol Auxiliary; 105 have at least 20 years of service.