TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) -- Florida Highway Patrol recruit Melanie Linton-Smith and Tyler Nessmith are looking forward to being Troopers.
Melanie Linton-Smith says, "My prior experiences with law enforcement I have always had a respect for the Florida Highway Patrol their courtesy and their professionalism. I want to be a part of that type of organization."
Tyler Nessmith says, "It is a unique opportunity to do traffic as well as everything that law enforcement encompasses."
But not everyone is in a hurry to be FHP Trooper.
Even after FHP recruit class 123 with fifty-four people graduate,
statewide there will be more than one hundred and twenty openings left. Nine of the job openings are right here in the Big Bend area.
Lt. Jeff Frost from the Florida Highway Patrol says, "We have a difficulty finding qualified applicants that can pass a rigorous background investigation, a credit check and polygraph exam."
Officials say the starting salary for an FHP Trooper is around thirty-three thousand dollars.
These recruits say they are thrilled to have jobs when employment is still hard to come by.
Melanie Linton-Smith says, "I know the way things being the way they are having a job is an accomplishment. To go through the academy experience you really have to want to be here and earn it to be here."
If you are interested in becoming an FHP Trooper go to Beatrooper.com
You will find contact information and an application.
