TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Today, during a meeting of the Florida Cabinet, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis recognized Trooper Toni Schuck with a Cabinet Resolution thanking her for her service and bravery. Recently, Trooper Schuck placed her patrol vehicle between a group of runners at the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and an oncoming intoxicated driver, heroically putting herself in harms way to save the lives of others.

 

CFO Jimmy Patronis said, “I was proud to stand with Governor DeSantis and honor Trooper Toni Schuck today for her bravery and heroism while serving to protect Floridians. Through her actions, Trooper Schuck has shown a level of bravery that very few have. When faced with a life-threatening situation, she chose to put others before herself. She put her life on the line and exemplified the highest level of commitment to those who she has sworn to protect. We don’t toss around the word ‘hero’ too much, but she truly is a hero in my eyes and the entire State of Florida thanks her for her service.”

 

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, on March 6, 2022, Florida Highway Patrol Master Trooper Toni Schuck put herself in harm's way to protect runners participating in the Armed Forces Skyway 10K Race, by stopping an out-of-control driver near the participants; and

 

WHEREAS, upon noticing that she was the last officer in between the driver, who was under the influence, and the runners, Trooper Schuck fearlessly positioned her vehicle to stop the driver, resulting in a head-on collision; and

 

WHEREAS, her quick thinking and brave actions prevented a tragedy within the Tampa Bay community that would have affected the lives of more than 7,000 runners, their families, and friends; and

 

WHEREAS, Trooper Schuck has selflessly served as an FHP Trooper for 26 years, undoubtedly making a difference in the lives of countless families and citizens within her community; and

 

WHEREAS, during her tenure, Trooper Schuck has volunteered at local elementary schools as a reading mentor, served as a Field Training Officer for new recruits and has assisted with the Agency's Critical Incident Stress Management team; and

 

WHEREAS, in 2008 Trooper Schuck was recognized as the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year by the West Pasco Bar Association in recognition of her exemplary service to the community and for having gone above the call of duty; and

 

WHEREAS, Florida is a law and order state, and we stand by the men and women of law enforcement who work so hard to keep us safe.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Governor and Cabinet of the State of Florida encourages all Floridians to recognize our brave law enforcement officers who protect our communities every day, and honor Trooper Toni Schuck for her exemplary service as the last line of defense in protecting the citizens of Florida.

 

WHEREFOR, the Governor and the Cabinet of the State of Florida have hereunto subscribed their names and have caused the Official Seal of the State of Florida to be hereunto affixed in the City of Tallahassee on this 29th Day of March 2022.