Tropper Steve is Signing off in O-Town

After 9 years, Trooper Steve is leaving the business.

No surprise, he’s headed to the world of public relations.

"Trooper Steve" Montiero is wrapping up his run at Graham Media Group’s WKMG (Orlando) after nearly nine years with the station.

Montiero, a former Florida Highway Patrol trooper and Air Force veteran, was hired by News 6 as the market's "Traffic Safety Expert." Instead of just reading maps, he fronted segments like Ask Trooper Steve and Trooper Steve on Patrol.

But, he’s trading the morning show traffic maps for a government gig.

Montiero has been named the new Director of Public Information for the City of Apopka, Florida. It’s a newly created department aimed at handling PR and information for the city's police and fire departments.

"While this chapter is coming to an end, the mission that has driven me from day one… educating, serving, and hopefully making a difference in someone's life will never change," Montiero said in a statement.

He becomes the latest local TV news personality to make the jump to the PIO "dark side," where the hours are usually a lot better and you don't have to worry about the morning show alarm clock anymore.

His final day on the air will be July 31st. Does he get to take his news truck with him?