Florida Highway Patrol Trooper of the Year

Trooper Dennis Rich

On September 24, 2013, at 12:20 p.m., Trooper Dennis Rich of the Florida Highway Patrol’s Troop C – Tampa District, was investigating a traffic crash that had occurred on eastbound Interstate 4 between Hillsborough Avenue and U. S. Highway 301.  While investigating the crash, a westbound motorist stopped in the center median to summon assistance from the trooper.  After responding by jumping over the concrete barrier wall, Trooper Rich discovered a female in labor who was en route to St. Joseph’s Hospital for delivery.  Realizing the birth of the baby was imminent, Trooper Rich helped deliver a healthy baby girl.  After the delivery all were assisted by Hillsborough County Fire Rescue and later transported to the hospital.

As a result of the quick actions of Trooper Rich, the baby arrived healthy and without any complications.  Without Trooper Rich’s abiliTampa Police Department to think quickly, rationally and remain calm, this situation could have resulted with a very different outcome.

Trooper Rich began his career with the Florida Highway Patrol on October 24, 2008, and is assigned to the Tampa District.  He has been married to his wife, Becki for 2 ½ years and they have two children, Kody and Zara.