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The good majority
By Times staff
© St. Petersburg Times,
published August 19, 2001
Despite agency failings, most highway patrol officers perform their duties consistently and well.
"The uniform you see in that car or on the street has my highest respect and regard," said Rickey J. Peters, who retired from the patrol in January.
"People would always say to me, "I wouldn't do what you do for $100,000 a year.' And I'd think, "That's why I'm doing it -- you won't.' "
In just the past few years, many officers have distinguished themselves:
Trooper Michael W. Roden pursued two carjackers and rescued a 60-year-old real estate agent they had kidnapped outside Fort Myers.
Trooper Neil P. Moore broke into a submerged car and pulled the unconscious driver to shore.
Trooper Carlos Velasquez of Jacksonville rescued two adults and three small children from their car seconds before an approaching train knocked it 100 feet down the tracks.
During a routine traffic stop in Palm Beach County, Trooper Mark Nevergold saved the life of a toddler who was choking on a coin.
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