TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (AP)-- A Florida State highway patrolman is trying to get his job back after being fired for giving a speeding lawmaker a break.
Trooper Charles Swindle says he was dismissed despite a recommendation letter from his immediate supervisor following what many troopers say has long been a practice of giving speeding legislators a break when possible.
Swindle gave state Rep. Charles McBurney a $10 ticket in November for not having his insurance card instead of a more costly speeding fine. Although McBurney was clocked at 87, he complained that his cruise control was set at 75 so Swindle checked with headquarters and was advised to cooperate with the lawmaker if possible.
McBurney then went home and wrote a letter to patrol officials that led to the trooper's dismissal.
