Florida Highway Patrol Announces Staff Changes at Local Headquarters

The Florida Highway Patrol's (FHP) Troop C, which is locally based, recently made a couple of promotions, including a new leader.

Michael Thomas has been named to lead field operations for Troop C. The troop jurisdiction includes Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Hernando, Sumter and Citrus counties.

“Throughout his career, Major Thomas has served the residents and visitors of our state with great dedication and exhibited excellent leadership capabilities,” Director, Col. David Brierton said in a prepared statement.  “I have full confidence in his abilities to lead the troop that enforces the laws related to highway safety and security in the Tampa Bay area.”

Thomas started with FHP in 1987. Among his past duties have been as a K-9 officer in Broward County, and stints in Marion County as well as his most recent assignment as a district captain in Orange and Osceola counties. 

A U.S. Navy veteran, Thomas has a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Barry University. 

In addition, Brierton designated Ronald Brannan as the "Sergeant of the Patrol" for the troop.

Brannan has been with the FHP since 1984. He has served in Miami and just prior to this promotion, he supervised a traffic homocide squad in Polk County.