FHP is top ‘gator’ in calendar photo competition

The winning FHP cruiser photo entry was taken at Gatorland in Orlando by retired FHP Lt. Jeff Frost.

It’s official: The familiar black and tan Florida Highway Patrol Dodge Charger has been voted “America’s Best-Looking Cruiser” for 2023 in a nationwide competition held by the American Association of State Troopers (AAST).

A photo of a 2019 Dodge Challenger FHP cruiser taken at Gatorland in Orlando by retired FHP Lt. Jeff Frost, with Tamale, a 15-year-old, 180-pound, 8 ½-foot long American alligator, in the foreground, was submitted for the contest. The winning photo will be used on the cover of the 2024 American Association of State Troopers calendar.

Calendar proceeds will benefit the AAST Foundation, which provides educational scholarships to dependents of member troopers.

The contest began July 17 and ended July 31, and saw 1,006,234 votes cast in 49 states for photos of each state’s cruiser. Many states featured vehicles with iconic backdrops. The FHP entry received 181,071 votes; the California Highway Patrol entry had 142,220 votes and the Nevada Highway Patrol entry received 132,489, according to an FHP press release.

The FHP press release stated in part that “states resorted to playful yet competitive banter and went head-to-head like never before.”

“It’s gratifying to see the inclusion and enthusiasm for supporting Florida by citizens, other partners, and our FHP members,” FHP Director Col. Gary Howze said in the release.

Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle Executive Director Dave Kerner reacted to the win by saying in the release: “I am incredibly proud that the Florida Highway Patrol won first place in this year’s competition. 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.”