Published on March 22, 2024
Trooper Richard Rowley of the Florida Highway Patrol was honored Thursday, March 21, 2024 at the Eustis City Commission meeting for volunteering to work the Washington Day Parade during the city’s annual Georgefest event for a total of 41 years.
Chief Craig Capri of the Eustis Police Department presented Trooper Rowley with an award and a dedication marker from the City, which will be installed at the intersection of N. Grove Street and E. Orange Avenue in Eustis. Capri said, “Trooper Rowley has not only volunteered for 41 years for the parade but has also worked the same intersection in Eustis for 39 of those years. That’s incredible.” Capri said that Rowley has become part of the parade’s tradition, and his dependable presence each year demonstrates his commitment to the community. The commemorative plaque ensures that the intersection of Grove Street and Orange Avenue will be forever known as the “Trooper Rowley Intersection.”
FHP Officers Major Mark Castleberry, Troop Commander, and Captain Steven Devore, District Commander, were in attendance at the meeting Thursday to support Trooper Rowley, along with the members of the Eustis City Commission, including Commissioner Gary Ashcraft, Vice Mayor Emily Lee, Mayor Michael Holland, Commissioner Willie Hawkins, and Commissioner Nan Cobb, along with City Manager Tom Carrino, Captain Kenneth Toler, City Attorney Sasha Garcia, and Trooper Rowley’s grandson.