Attorney General Ashley Moody announced Florida’s 2024 Trooper of the Year, Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Steven Turner. At a ceremony in Tampa, Attorney General Moody presented Trooper Turner with a Florida Cabinet resolution highlighting the trooper’s tremendous bravery. Trooper Turner and other FHP troopers pursued two suspects for committing a burglary and stealing a vehicle in Pasco County. In the pursuit, a suspect shot Trooper Turner in the abdomen, but Trooper Turner continued to go after the criminals.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “It is an honor to present this resolution to FHP Trooper Steven Turner to recognize his incredible bravery in continuing to pursue an armed, dangerous criminal into the woods in the middle of the night even after being shot. I am incredibly proud of Trooper Turner for his heroic actions and commend all our state troopers who selflessly serve and protect us every day.”
Florida Highway Patrol Colonel Gary Howze II said, “Law enforcement officers respond to dangerous situations daily with the expectation that their presence will bring order and calm to chaotic and often unpredictable encounters. Every day, our troopers bravely step up to defend Florida against those who attempt to victimize others. Trooper Turner’s incredible courage is inspiring, and we thank Attorney General Moody for recognizing his efforts and selfless service in protecting Florida from dangerous criminals.”
On Feb. 4, 2023, Trooper Turner responded to an active burglary pursuit, tracking down two suspects headed south on Interstate 75 in Pasco County driving a stolen Ford F-250. One of the fleeing suspects fired at passing motorists, including a fuel tanker, endangering the troopers in pursuit and surrounding motorists.
As the suspects attempted to exit the interstate, Trooper Turner successfully executed a precision immobilization technique maneuver that rendered the stolen vehicle inoperable. The two suspects inside the truck fled on foot and Trooper Turner continued the pursuit into a heavily wooded area.
While fleeing through the woods, one suspect fired a gun, striking Trooper Turner in the abdomen. Undeterred, Trooper Turner returned fire and neutralized the suspect, preventing any further threat to the public, before receiving aid for the gunshot wound and being airlifted to a trauma center.
Trooper Turner graduated from the FHP Training Academy as part of the 143rd Basic Recruit Class. Trooper Turner began his career with FHP in 2019 with Troop C in Pinellas County before being transferred to Pasco County and also serves as a field training officer.
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