Florida State Trooper acting on instinct, blocks vehicle of intoxicated driver to protect thousands during 10K marathon.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) today announced Trooper Toni M. Schuck of the Florida State Highway Patrol as the Officer of the Month for March 2022. Trooper Schuck’s heroic act of blocking the speeding vehicle of an allegedly intoxicated driver during a 10K marathon exemplifies bravery, decisiveness, and selflessness at its finest.
During the March 6th Skyway 10K Race, the Florida Highway Patrol was alerted to a BMW driving at an “excessive rate of speed” on I-275. The BMW was driving directly towards the road closure on the south end of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in St. Petersburg, Florida. With the driver speeding past several barricades and traffic cones, Trooper Schuck acted quickly and maneuvered her car as a last line of defense to block the speeding motorist from pedestrians and racers, placing herself in the path of the oncoming driver. Seconds later, the driver crashed nearly head-on with Officer Schuck’s patrol car, fortunately Trooper Schuck escaped with minor injuries.
“We would like to congratulate Trooper Schuck for her extreme act of bravery and courage as her quick actions prevented what could have been a tragic situation.” said Marcia Ferranto, CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. “Putting her duty to protect others before herself is the oath that every officer takes when protecting the community. We are grateful for her service and happy to know that she is fully recovering at home.”
Trooper Toni Schuck is a 26-year veteran of the Florida Highway Patrol, and recently was awarded multiple recognitions including the “Back the Blue” award by Florida’s Attorney General, the “InVest USA Heroism” award, in addition to being presented the key to St. Pete, Florida. Trooper Schuck is making a full recovery in hopes of returning to active duty soon.
The Officer of the Month Award Program is sponsored by the Police Unity Tour and recognizes federal, state, and local officers who distinguish themselves through exemplary law enforcement service and devotion to duty.