He's Helped You Survive Blizzards, Reminded You Not to Drive Drunk, Made Sure You Knew 'Click It or Ticket'

If luck has its way, Lt. J. Paul Vance will be doing more on TV than just telling people to drive cautiously in snowstorms.

The future television appearances for the state's top public information officer could include spots from a remote island without running water and with a few other people vying to become "the survivor."

Vance will join hundreds from Connecticut next week at Foxwoods Resort Casino hoping that the producers of the hit CBS reality show "Survivor" will pick him to be on the show next season.

"They asked me if I'd go down and interview for it and I said, 'If I can, I will,'" Vance said, laughing, Wednesday evening.

On Tuesday, Vance's son J. Paul Vance Jr. called the Chaz & AJ In The Morning radio show on WPLR-FM to nomiate his dad to represent the state on next season's "Survivor." Wednesday, Vance called back to say that his wife of 40 years had said it was OK for him to "go ahead and give it a try," but that he had a class to teach the morning of the March 16 event, according to a WPLR podcast.

Chaz and AJ were ready for the excuses. They told Vance not to worry, they have a "cut the line pass" for him just in case he's late. He won't miss his chance.

After discussing his interview attire - grass skirt, shiny black shoes and state police issued hat and shirt - Vance said he's ready to "give it the old college try."

According to the candidate application, Vance and others will be judged on the following criteria and must possess these traits:

• Strong will
• Outgoing nature
• Adventurousness
• Physical  and mental agility
• Adaptability to new environments
• Interesting lifestyles, backgrounds and personalities

When asked what skills he possesses that make him a strong candidate, Vance answered that he is "very good at police work, been doing that for a very, very long time." He added that he's also been married for 40 years, to which the radio personalities said he must be good at team building and negotiating.

Wednesday evening, Vance said he was at best a long shot. He also said he's seen "roughly a couple of episodes" of the show.

"It's interesting that they're coming to Connecticut to find someone," he said. "Some resident will be chosen." He added that he won't be upset if he doesn't make the cut. He likes luxury of hot and cold running water.

Foxwoods and WFSB TV Channel 3 are hosting the afternoon of auditions along with WPLR, which is the partner radio station.

If you're interested and think you can beat the competiton, get to the Grand Pequot Ballroom at Foxwoods Resort Casino on March 16. The first 300 people are guaranteed auditions; the rest will have to wait in line and hope they make it through by the 5 p.m. cutoff.