The American Association of State Troopers announced the winner of its 2023 America's Best Looking Cruiser Competition is the Florida Highway Patrol with the state's black-and-tan vehicles beating out second-place California by nearly 39,000 votes.
Final results were tallied at noon Monday and showed Florida Highway Patrol in the top spot. After California followed Nevada Highway Patrol, Indiana State Police in fourth, and Kentucky State Police in fifth.
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and FHP used a variety of strategies to engage the community in this year's competition which ultimately led to an increase in votes and a surge of teamwork felt throughout the state as different law enforcement, state agencies, media organizations, businesses, and public figures came together to raise awareness of the competition and share in the state effort to win first place.
The competition began on July 17, and, for those following, consisted of many ups and downs, with no clear winner holding the top spot for a significant length of time. Without a clear forerunner, states resorted to playful yet competitive banter and went head-to-head with over 1 million votes cast in the competition.
"I am incredibly proud that the Florida Highway Patrol won first place in this year's competition," said FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner. "I know that the effort displayed by those pushing us toward this victory came from a deep love and respect for the patrol and its history as Florida's finest."
“FHP was proud to have participated in this year’s American Association of State Troopers Best Looking Cruiser Contest,” said Colonel Gary Howze, Director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “It’s gratifying to see the inclusion and enthusiasm for supporting Florida by citizens, other partners, and our FHP members.”
The FHP picture submission was taken by retired FHP Lieutenant Jeff Frost and featured a 2019 Dodge Charger at Gatorland in Orlando and featured a 15-year-old, 8.5-foot-long, 180-pound female American alligator named Tamale.
The 2024 AAST calendar will feature FHP on its cover and will be available on their website.
WGCU is your trusted source for news and information in Southwest Florida. We are a nonprofit public service, and your support is more critical than ever. Keep public media strong and donate now. Thank you.