Former AAST leader remembered

Roy Hutto was known as a dedicated leader, a kindhearted friend, and a hard worker. But most of all, he would want to be remembered as a man who enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

Hutto, 72, died Saturday, August 15, of congestive heart failure.

A retired Florida trooper, Hutto served as AAST's executive director for eight years, ending his tenure in 2000. One of the first troopers to join AAST, Hutto began his service to the Association in 1990 as 3rd vice president of the National Board of Directors, then serving as the Florida chapter's state director in 1992, before being appointed executive director later that year.

"Roy was a true pioneer in establishing the Association's core goals and mission statements," AAST President Tommy Moore said. "More importantly, he was best known as a family man: a husband, a father, a grandfather."

During his eight years at the helm of AAST's day-to-day operations, Hutto implemented numerous improvements to membership benefits, fund-raising practices, and employee standards. He also paved the way to help AAST become established as a first-rate national organization through his networking skills and likeable personality. With the help of hand-chosen staff members, Hutto spent countless hours developing the Association's first Operations Manual - a complete guide for operating AAST - from membership requirements and benefits, to employee policies.

An avid golfer, Hutto was also instrumental in establishing the AAST-sponsored National Police Golf Championship in 1999, for which a retiree trophy was named in his honor. The Board took a sabbatical from the tournament, but plans to resurrect it in the near future.

Hutto retired in 1989 as a lieutenant after serving 25 years with the Florida Highway Patrol. In 1964 his interest in law enforcement and his desire to serve and protect his community drove him to this profession, a job that developed the talents and positive personality traits he brought to AAST.

He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Libby, their two sons, Mike (Kelley) and Mark (Tina), and three grandchildren, Mitchel, Jillian, and Sam, as well as two brothers and numerous extended family members.

Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church of Marianna on August 19. The FHP Honor Guard will lead the processional from the funeral to the graveside.

Roy Hutto will be missed by all who had the pleasure of calling him a friend.

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