Commander Ellery Collado: Florida Highway Patrol and the Stories Behind the Badge

Troop Commander Ellery Collado of the Florida Highway Patrol joins Hidden Florida & Beyond for a candid, wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond traffic stops. With more than two decades in law enforcement, Ellery shares the unexpected journey that led him from growing up in New York with a very different perception of police, to becoming a leader responsible for protecting South Florida’s highways. Along the way, he opens up about the 21 rejections he faced before getting his shot, the mentor who changed his life, and the mindset that’s helped him rise through the ranks. The conversation dives into the realities of the job—from making split-second decisions on the road to the emotional side of what officers experience but rarely talk about. Ellery shares how discretion really works when pulling someone over, why attitude can matter more than speed, and the truth behind common myths like ticket quotas and unmarked vehicles.  There are also the moments you don’t expect—from high-speed pursuits and helicopter call-ins to the strange, funny, and sometimes unbelievable situations that only happen in Florida. At the same time, Ellery brings a grounded perspective on leadership, explaining how his role today is less about writing tickets and more about guiding others and preparing them for the realities of the job.  Beyond the action, he talks openly about the human side of policing: helping families in their worst moments, staying connected to people long after cases are closed, and the importance of mental health for officers dealing with high-stress situations every day. Hidden Florida & Beyond…where the real stories live beneath the surface.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.