‘I loved being a trooper’: After 27 years Florida Highway Patrol spokesperson calls it a career

ORLANDO, Fla. — Surrounded by fellow troopers and members of the media, Kim Montes closed out a 27-year career in law enforcement.

As one of the longest-serving public information officers in Central Florida, Montes has been the face of FHP’s Troop D for over 20 years.

A devoted public servant, Montes almost followed her dreams of becoming a veterinarian before her father and twin sister, also former law enforcement, convinced her to join the Highway Patrol.

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Watch: Central Florida Spotlight: FHP PIO Lt. Kim Montes

Over the years she has used her time both in front of and behind the camera to promote driving safety and provide important information to the public.

“It was always our mission just to save one life and it meant a lot to me,” Montes said.

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She said FHP has always felt like home and leaving her fellow troopers is like saying goodbye to family.

“I loved being a trooper,” Montes said.

Despite the long hours, countless phone calls, and interviews, Montes has also been a mother to her son Jake and a wife to the man she calls her “soul mate,” Jim.

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She and Jim, also a retired trooper, met on the job, and the two were married in 2009.

Montes, who will retire as a Captain with FHP, said she hopes she serves as an inspiration to women in law enforcement.

“We don’t see a lot of women in uniform and I want them to realize that you can be a mom, you can be a wife, and you can be a really good police officer or trooper and do this job right.” she said.

Central Florida Spotlight: FHP PIO Lt. Kim Montes WFTV anchor Greg Warmoth talks with FHP PIO Lt. Kim Montes about her retirement. (WFTV)

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