The Ohio State Highway Patrol has officially recognized the outstanding contributions of its officers and staff with the announcement of the 2024 Leadership Awards. At a ceremony honoring the winners, the Patrol celebrated dozens of individuals for their commitment to public safety and community service across the state. Prominent among the awardees, Trooper Sarah A. Korsten, from the Elyria Post, was named the State Trooper of the Year, as she led the way with her exceptional leadership skills and dedication to service, the Ohio State Highway Patrol reported.
Korsten was chosen from nine District Troopers of the Year and was lauded for her ability to foster a positive work environment and support her colleagues. Her performance in 2024 was notable, making 1,638 contacts with the public, investigating 105 crashes, and making several significant arrests. Equally notable was her involvement in community initiatives like a football camp promoting youth physical fitness. Korsten's efforts to inspire the next generation and her commitment to health and fitness were also highlighted at the ceremony.
Dispatcher Patrick P. Bowsher, from the Van Wert Post, was honored as the 2024 Dispatcher of the Year, chosen from 10 District Dispatcher of the Year recipients. Bowsher's work ethic and dedication to his role, particularly his mentorship of others, stood out. His active community presence, encompassing roles at St. Mary’s Catholic Church and local school sporting teams, was seen as an extension of his commitment to service, as detailed by the Ohio State Highway Patrol.
Further honorees included Trooper Dorothy A. Gladden, who received the Ohio Trooper Recognition Award for her specialty work, including investigating criminal offenses at the Mansfield Correctional Institution. Forensic Computer Specialist 2 Daniel P. Maher was recognized with the Employee Recognition Award for his expertise in digital forensics. His work analyzing 258.44 terabytes of data across various cases earned him accolades from the Patrol and the United States Secret Service.
Leadership at various levels was also recognized, with Sergeant Bryan L. Sponaugle of the Canton Post receiving the Colonel Thomas W. Rice Leadership Award for his impactful combination of operational knowledge and compassion in leadership. The other awardees, as reported by the Ohio State Highway Patrol, included a trooper and an administrative professional jointly awarded the Robert M. Chiaramonte Humanitarian Award for their dedication to humanitarian causes on the highway and in their communities.
Various other awards showcased the diverse talents and commitments within the Ohio State Highway Patrol, from the Police Officer of the Year bestowed upon Police Officer 2 Joshua E. Wayt to Trooper Brian K. Garloch, who received an award for his criminal patrol excellence. In an affirmation of the Patrol's commitment to safety and the community, individuals across different roles were celebrated for their unprecedented contributions to safety in Ohio.
