Local FHP trooper recognized for thousands of hours, five decades of service

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) - A local Florida Highway Patrol trooper has been recognized for thousands of hours on the job. Major Stephen Pigott is a member of the FHP Auxiliary, has dedicated years to the service and is still going strong after five decades.

The FHP Auxiliary is a professionally trained, all volunteer law enforcement organization that provides direct assistance to troopers. They carry a duty weapon and can make arrests if needed.

WCTV’s Katie Kaplan caught up with Pigott on Wednesday to hear about this amazing milestone.

Major Pigott signed up with the troop back in 1971, the year Disney World opened it’s doors, the year the microprocessor was invented and the year America’s voting age was officially lowered to 18.

He was fresh out of the service when he returned back home to Wakulla County, and his father made him sign up for the FHP Auxiliary program. “He got me lined up and signed up,” recalled Pigott.

The rest is history.

“[I] have been on 50 years,” Pigott said. It’s a connection he’s had even longer than the one he’s had with his wife of 45 years.

“You just realize that it’s part of his life,” said wife Millie Pigot.

Pigott worked his way up from trooper, then sergeant, to captain, and now major, by donating an estimated 800 hours a year to the program.

“Let’s say, I’ve enjoyed it. It’s important,” Pigott said.

These hours are in addition to his 19 years with the Wakulla Ambulance Service, volunteer fire department, County of Wakulla and time moonlighting as a locksmith, just like the man who got him into the program in the first place.

Troop H in Tallahassee recently honored Pigott for his service and dedication, with Attorney General Ashley Moody even stopping by for a handshake.

“It was a good day,” recalled Pigott.

Pigott has enjoyed his time on the force, but he’s not quite not ready to retire just yet: “I’ve got a little further to go.”

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