New director of FHP served in St Augustine

The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle’s Executive Director announced to Historic City News that the trooper who has served as Commander of Florida’s Troop G since 2014, will become the next Florida Highway Patrol Director, effective August 21, 2015.

Colonel Gene Spaulding brings 22 years of law enforcement knowledge and experience to this position, including two tours in St Augustine, serving in three positions.

“Having the honor of choosing the Colonel of the Florida Highway Patrol was one of the most significant decisions I will make as Executive Director,” said Terry L. Rhodes, Executive Director of the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. “I am confident Colonel Gene Spaulding is the right person to effectively lead the Patrol in the years ahead. He brings a field perspective to the Patrol while continuing the traditions that make the Florida Highway Patrol, quite simply, Florida’s Finest.”

Colonel Spaulding graduated from the 87th Basic Recruit Class on May 21, 1993. Since then, he has served in five Troops throughout the state beginning in Troop K before transferring to Troop G. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1997, moving to Troop D in 2000. In 2001, he was promoted to Lieutenant in Troop Q, Bureau of Investigations before transferring back to Troop G as a District Lieutenant. In 2005, Colonel Spaulding was promoted to Captain. He was promoted to Troop Commander in 2010 serving in Troop B.

Colonel Spaulding holds a B.A. in Criminal Justice Administration from Columbia College.