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Sam Penrod ReportingThe Utah Highway Patrol is looking for a few good men and women. Many troopers are about to take retirement, just before a new state law cuts the retirement benefits of state employees.
Of the 500 Utah Highway Patrol troopers who patrol our roads statewide, only seventeen of them are women. And right now the UHP is especially trying to recruit women, hoping they will take a look at a career as a UHP trooper.
Annie Fuller is celebrating one year as a trooper for the Utah Highway Patrol. She is one of just a few female troopers on the force.
Trooper Annie Fuller, Utah Highway Patrol: "I honestly think this job is the best job in the world, I love the people I work with, the stuff we do is a lot of fun, it's a lot better than sitting in a cubicle."
In a profession of mostly men, Trooper Fuller admits some people are surprised to see the trooper pulling them over is a woman.
Trooper Annie Fuller, Utah Highway Patrol: "Off duty, I have been asked, why I am driving my husband's car. People ask me if there is a height and weight standard, how I ever got in, I'm only 5'3"."
Right now, the Highway Patrol is hiring and strongly encouraging women to apply.
Trooper Kellie Oaks, Utah Highway Patrol: "I never expected them to hire me, ever!"
Five years ago Kellie Oaks applied to be a UHP trooper. At the time she was a single mom and working three jobs. Right now she is a full time recruiter.
Trooper Kellie Oaks, Utah Highway Patrol: "I'm the Highway Patrol's biggest cheerleader, I bleed brown; I'm crazy about the patrol."
Both Oaks and Fuller say their fellow troopers treat them like one of the guys and that is the way they like it.
Trooper Annie Fuller, Utah Highway Patrol: "They don't treat me any differently. I get a lot of respect from my co workers."
Trooper Kellie Oaks: "They guys on my crew are like my brothers and I just love them to death and love their families and we're really close. It's not hard as long as you come to work, you do your job, and you need to pull your own weight."
For those interested in a career with the UHP, both women and men, you must first take a written and physical test to enter the police academy.
