Former FHP trooper: I was fired for not writing enough tickets

"I believe I was terminated because I didn't write enough tickets," said former trooper Chris Maul.

Maul worked for the FHP for 12 years before leaving for six months. After he came back to the FHP he was on a routine probation period.

Maul made 44 arrests in May, including four for DUI, and his quarterly evaluation from his direct supervisor said, "keep up the good work."

But shortly after the evaluation a captain called him into his office.

"I was brought to an office and I was told my activity was not going to cut it if I wanted to get off probation," Maul said.

Maul was terminated in June.

The director of the Troop C 's Police Benevolent Association, Frank Burke, believes Maul should get his job back.

"We feel like that the termination was based solely on activity," Burke said. "We feel like (activity) is a code word for citations, which is in violation of Florida state statues regarding a quota system."

Bay News 9 contacted the Florida Highway Patrol spokesperson for the Tampa Bay area. The call was referred to a contact in Tallahassee; phone calls were not returned before deadline.