TALLAHASSEE, FL (352today.com) – A Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) trooper was named the 2023 Trooper of the Year.

Trooper Steven Turner received the honor from the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) on March 14 in San Antonio, Texas.

Courtesy: FHP

The IACP recognizes four state troopers and police officers who have displayed the characteristics of bravery, courage, leadership, and professionalism. Of the four, a winner is selected and honored as the Trooper of the Year.

Turner was selected for this recognition out of nominees from across the United States and Canada.

Out of the four finalists, Turner was chosen for his “heroic response” during an incident that happened in February of 2023. FHP says Turner actively pursued burglary suspects that were driving a stolen vehicle.

Trooper Steven Turner was chosen for the award out of four finalists from the United States and Canada. Courtesy: FHP

During the pursuit, Trooper Turner successfully initiated a Precision Immobilization Technique (more commonly referred to as PIT) maneuver, making the suspect unable to drive the vehicle. Afterwards, FHP says both of the suspects got out of the vehicle and ran away.

“Despite knowing that the suspect was potentially armed, Trooper Turner gave chase to one of them and attempted to apprehend him. However, the suspect displayed a firearm and discharged one round, which struck Trooper Turner in the abdomen,” said FHP in a release. “In response, Trooper Turner returned fire, neutralizing the threat to the public.“

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Earlier this year, Turner was also recognized by Florida House Speaker Rep. Paul Renner as the “Law Enforcement Officer of the Day” at the State Capitol.

Turner began his career with the Florida Highway Patrol in 2019 as a member of the 143rd Patrol School and was assigned to Troop C – Pinellas County. He now serves in Pasco County after his transfer in January of 2023.

“Congratulations, Trooper Turner! We know that the State of Florida, your colleagues, friends and family, and the citizens and visitors of Florida are safer if you protect them as a valued member of the Florida Highway Patrol,” commented FHP.

FHP Trooper Toni Shuck won the award last year for her “incredible act of bravery” during a 10k race in Tampa. Courtesy: FHP

FHP says this is the second year in a row a Florida trooper has won the award. Last year, Trooper Toni Schuck received the award after she used her patrol car to block the path of an impaired driver who they say drove over 100 miles per hour through barriers and traffic cones during a 10k race in Tampa. FHP described Schuck’s decision as an “incredible act of bravery.”