The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has once again clinched the title in the American Association of State Troopers (AAST) 2024 Best Looking Cruiser Competition, marking their second consecutive win. The announcement came Monday afternoon, and with it, FHP’s cruiser will grace the cover of the AAST 2025 calendar.
The two-week competition saw FHP’s submission, a striking image featuring their cruiser set against the dramatic backdrop of a rocket launch at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on April 18, gather 28,995 votes. The Kentucky State Patrol followed closely with 26,091 votes. Other notable entries came from state law enforcement agencies in Nevada, West Virginia, North Carolina, Mississippi, Texas, Arkansas, Michigan, Georgia, Alabama, Iowa, and Nebraska, all of which will be featured in the 2025 calendar.
FHP’s achievement was celebrated with enthusiasm across the department and among its supporters. “This year, we took the competition to new heights and were able to showcase Florida’s Space Coast,” said Executive Director Dave Kerner. “I am proud of my team and grateful for the incredible support we have seen from our public safety partners, state leaders, and most importantly, our citizens. Thank you for backing the black and tan.”
The FHP took to social media to express their gratitude, posting on Facebook that they are “over the moon with gratitude” for the overwhelming support and participation that led to their repeat victory. The department’s aggressive and effective communications strategy played a significant role in rallying votes and showcasing their cruiser.
Colonel Gary Howze II of the FHP also expressed his pride in the collective effort that led to the win. “This competition is very important to our troopers, who are truly ambassadors for Florida,” he said. “Florida came together for the win, but the real winner is the public that benefits from cooperative law enforcement nationwide working toward public safety. I am incredibly proud of our FHP Family and our Florida law enforcement partners, who truly made it happen back-to-back!”
Rob Long, President and CEO of Space Florida, highlighted the dual significance of the win. “We’re thrilled to see Florida claim victory for the second year in a row and are grateful to the Florida Highway Patrol for their partnership and collaboration,” Long stated. “This well-deserved win celebrates our state’s leadership in both public safety and space technology.”
The competition, which saw participation from all state police agencies, was a massive engagement event. Over 276,000 votes were cast, and the contest’s Facebook page garnered over 1.2 million views during the voting period. The FHP’s victory not only reflects the aesthetic appeal of their cruiser but also underscores the effectiveness of their community engagement efforts.
FHP’s 2023 winning entry featured a cruiser with a gator, setting a high bar for creativity and visual impact. This year’s space-themed submission continued that trend, showcasing the unique aspects of Florida’s landscape and technological achievements.
The American Association of State Troopers praised the spirited participation and the quality of submissions from all states. “We had 100% participation from our state police agencies this year. Thank you to everyone who voted and supported their home states as well as all the beautiful submissions. 2025 Calendars will go on sale in October and can be purchased through our website, www.statetroopers.org. All proceeds benefit AAST’s foundation,” the AAST said in a statement.
As FHP basks in their victory, the question remains: What will they do next? The creativity and dedication evident in their submissions promise another impressive entry in the future. For now, the FHP and their supporters can celebrate their back-to-back wins and look forward to seeing their cruiser on the cover of the AAST 2025 calendar, which will serve as a testament to their achievement and a source of pride for the entire state of Florida.
