WEST PALM BEACH, Fla—Several years after they were killed in the line of duty, the Florida Highway Patrol is now honoring two of its troopers with a new sign that will be installed along the Florida Turnpike.
Trooper Frederick J Groves Jr. was 41 when he was shot and killed during a routine traffic stop in Palm Beach County. He died on September 15, 1984.
“My father was an amazing person,” said son Michael Groves.
In 1972, Trooper Herman T. Morris was on patrol in West Palm Beach when another vehicle forced his cruiser into a bridge railing. He died from his injuries. He was 27-years-old at the time.
On Thursday, during a ceremony in South Florida, the department unveiled a new sign that will soon be placed along the side of the turnpike between MM 100 and 105.
“It’s special that you know, your father laid his life down for others and thousands of people will drive by that daily and see it,” said Jeff Morris.
It’s part of a push made this past legislative session to honor and recognize all 48 fallen troopers throughout the department's history. In the coming weeks 26 new road designations will be placed throughout the state.
“Hopefully it will be a reminder to our motoring public to slow down, wear your seat belt, follow at a safe distance and most importantly move over when you see our professionals out there on the side of the road,” said Colonel Gene Spaulding.
You can expect to see the new signage honoring Trooper Groves and Trooper Morris installed on the southbound side of the turnpike around December 12th.
