FHP Master Trooper- one of the agency’s first women- retires after 30+ years on the job

ORLANDO, Fla. — A local Florida Highway Patrol Trooper is calling it a career after more than 30 years of service.

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Master Trooper Virginia Pennington got her start with FHP in the 1990s, when female troopers were few and far in-between.

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On March 31, the last day of women’s history month, Pennington’s family and fellow troopers joined her for a final farewell after 31 years on the job.

“Ups and downs, but mostly ups,” Pennington said of her time with FHP. “I wouldn’t trade it right now for anything in the world.”

Trooper Pennington says she hopes other women are inspired by her passion for the patrol.

“I hope they take it on,” Pennington said. “It is a challenge, and will always be a challenge, especially in today’s world.”

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Of the 1900 troopers on the Florida Highway Patrol, roughly 200- just 10 percent- are female.

Pennington says she’s made her mark, and now, she hopes more women will follow and rise to the top.

“I would love to see a woman Colonel in the highway patrol,” Pennington said.

She says she’ll be watching and rooting on future generations from her next chapter in life: retirement.

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Pennington says she will continue to serve the community through volunteer work.

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