The Florida Highway Patrol is mourning the loss of a retired colonel who passed away after serving the state’s residents and visitors for over 30 years.

On Tuesday afternoon, Colonel Gene Spaulding (Florida Highway Patrol Director) and Terry L. Rhodes (Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Executive Director) released the following statement regarding the death of retired FHP Colonel David H. Brierton, Jr.:

“It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of Retired Colonel David H. Brierton, Jr. Colonel Brierton was a valued member and leader of the Florida Highway Patrol for more than 32 years and served as the 11th Director of the Florida Highway Patrol. He will be truly missed by the entire FHP and FLHSMV family. We send our deepest condolences to the Brierton family – please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.”

Florida Highway Patrol mourning loss of retired colonel
FHP and FLHSMV are mourning the loss of retired Colonel David H. Brierton who passed away after serving the community for over three decades (Photo courtesy of the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles)

In 1983, Brierton began his career with FHP as part of the 69th Recruit Class, and he served the community for more than 32 years. His career kicked off in Miami-Dade, which is where he served as a trooper and sergeant.

Six years later, in 1989, Brierton was promoted to lieutenant and relocated to Bradenton. In 1993, after being promoted to captain, he returned to south Florida where he supervised operations in Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe counties.

In 2003, Brierton was promoted to major, and he was assigned to FHP Headquarters in Tallahassee where he supervised Investigations and Professional Compliance. Three years later, he was appointed lieutenant colonel and charged with oversight of Patrol Operations, Investigations, Contraband Interdiction, Emergency Operations, and Homeland Security.

Brierton was appointed colonel in 2011 and retired in 2015. Prior to joining FHP, he served in the Army as a military police officer.

In a joint press release, the Florida Highway Patrol and Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles stated, “Please keep the Brierton family in your thoughts and prayers. They ask for privacy at this time as they grieve this devastating loss.”